LOCAL • INDEPENDENT • FREE Volume 11 • Issue 28 • July 21 – July 27, 2017
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
They’re off! See Winners Circle pages 27-33.
Photo provided by NYRA.
Youth in Radio On Notice Code Blue Lawsuit Filed
by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — A project to site a permanent homeless shelter on the city’s west side is being challenged by a group of nearly two dozen people who are taking legal action to halt its development.
Slated to be built on Walworth Street - adjacent to the current Shelters of Saratoga which owns the property, and funded by local business owner Ed Mitzen, and his wife Lisa - the two-story Code Blue structure to house about 50 beds has moved through the See Lawsuit pg. 11
Photo courtesy of Adam Simon.
by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — A local college student and professor are showing young people the power of radio.
Skidmore College junior Adam Simon and professor Adam Tinkle introduced the Upstate Youth Radio and Podcast Project See Radio pg. 14
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Neighbors: Snippets of Life from Your Community Who: Brendan and McKinnley Yates, and Kayla DiBiasie Where: Congress Park. Q. What are you doing today, Brendan? A. We went on the carousel. Three times. Right now, we’re going to the Children’s Museum. Q. How old are you? A. Four. Sister McKinnley will be two next week. Q. Do you go to school? A. Preschool. I like it. My favorite is playing with the blocks. Q. Where are you originally from, Kayla? A. Massachusetts. I moved here after I graduated from Skidmore College, in May. Brendan (left) and McKinnley (right) Yates, and Kayla DiBiasie (center). Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
Q. What’s your favorite thing about Saratoga? A. I love being able to walk around town. We go to the library, or to the Children’s Museum, or walk around the park. There are shops and restaurants everywhere. There’s always something to do.
NEWS 3
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Hats Off Fest Downtown Friday & Saturday
Nighttime at the Saratoga County Fair. Image by PhotoAndGraphic.com
Hat’s Off. Photo by PhotoandGraphic.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host the 2017 Hats Off Music Festival on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. Events will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. throughout Downtown Saratoga Springs. Six bands - ranging from rock and blues to instrumental, solos, and chorus – will perform in celebration of opening weekend at the track.
Alan Darcy - Ben & Jerry’s
Friday, July 21:
Alan Darcy - Ben & Jerry’s
SIRSY - Adirondack Trust Company
Erin Harkes Band - Caroline Street Hot Club of Saratoga Springs North Broadway Racing City Chorus - Adelphi Hotel & Druthers
Saturday, July 22: SIRSY - Adirondack Trust Company
Erin Harkes Band - Caroline Street Racing City Chorus - Adelphi Hotel & Druthers
4
NEWS BRIEFS
Information Boards Dedicated to Lake Enthusiast
A memorial board for Robert Eastman at the city’s Waterfront Park. Photo by Larry Goodwin.
by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Even as they took cover from a strong thunderstorm this week, members of the Saratoga Lake Association (SLA) were determined to honor the late Robert Eastman. On Monday, SLA members were joined by Stillwater Supervisor Ed Kinowski at Brown’s Beach to unveil one of three information boards dedicated to Eastman. But severe weather conditions forced the group inside Doc Brown’s restaurant to mingle instead. A second information board stands at the bottom of steps leading to the Saratoga Springs Waterfront Park, while a third will eventually be placed at the state boat launch. The boards contain detailed maps
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of Saratoga Lake, and small metal plaques “in memory” of Eastman are affixed to them. Eastman, the former SLA vice president, died suddenly in the spring of 2016. He was an avid photographer and “genuine ‘can do’ type of guy,” according to a flyer circulated among SLA members for a photo contest that was also organized in his memory. “Bob was a great individual with a gentle soul and incredible integrity. His counsel, wisdom and leadership skills were exceptional and he was very well liked by everyone.” This month, Tina Pamper and Sal Fusco were announced as the winners of the SLA photo contest. They both received tickets to Hal Raven’s Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company, plus gift certificates to a local tavern and marina. For more information, visit the website http://saratogalake.org.
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Horse Therapy Offered at City Farm SARATOGA SPRINGS — ECS Psychological Services is offering its first-ever Wellness Saturday at the Farm, which celebrates various forms of holistic wellness modalities and promotes self-care among individuals in the community. An equine-assisted psychotherapy demonstration will be provided. Participants can either watch or join in on a fun activity with the horses to learn more about this unique treatment approach offered by ECS. The event will be held on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 683 Lake Avenue. Equine-assisted psychotherapy is an experiential treatment in which people get to enjoy interacting with horses in an assortment of ways. A horse professional and a licensed therapist work together with ECS clients and retired racehorses to create a meaningful experience that can be utilized to treat a multitude of life difficulties and mental health challenges. These may include issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, communication issues, substance abuse, eating
Photo provided.
disorders, family conflict and relationship difficulties, among countless other concerns. When clients interact with the horses, they have many opportunities to gain insight and selfawareness as they reflect on the experience. How people interact with horses and create meaning from these experiences is often relational to how they experience other aspects of their lives. The horses can be clear mirrors in which people see themselves. Horses are also completely non-judgmental. They offer an opportunity for a trusting, healthy relationship that can carry over to other relationships in one’s life, whether it is with other people, food, substances or a to-do list. The benefits from equineassisted psychotherapy are
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wide-ranging and continually being discovered. ECS is proud to offer this unique and successful approach to treatment as well as the ability to provide retired racehorses with a second career. A yoga class and guided meditation will be held on the lawn by the farm paddocks, so participants can bring a yoga mat or blanket to participate in these relaxing experiences. Healthy food and drink options, as well as healthy lifestyle tips from an integrative and functional nutritionist, will be provided. Participants will have an opportunity to try samples and win prizes from local businesses. For more information, visit the website www.ecspsychological.com.
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BLOTTER 5
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
COURTS
additional ounces of cocaine were found following the execution of a search warrant at Gonzalez’ dorm room and Barragan’s local storage unit. Gonzalez and Barragan were selling large amounts of cocaine in and around the Saratoga Race Course dorm area, according to the district attorney.
Paul S. Woodcock, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced July 13 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI. Linda M. Sims, 24, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced July 13 to one year in jail, after pleading to felony conspiracy. Edmund G. Currier III, was sentenced July 13 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI. Jonathan J. Pantoja, 29, of Middletown, pleaded on July 11 to disseminating indecent materials to a minor, a felony, regarding an incident in Malta. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 12. Jennifer C. Jenkins, 27, of Schuylerville, pleaded on July 11 to felony DWI, regarding an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 12. Colin R. Murphy, 28, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded on July 11 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, regarding an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 12. Lenwood M. Savage, 35, of Hampton, pleaded on July 10 to felony burglary, regarding an incident in Milton. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 11. Christian Maldonado, AKA “C,” 36, of Queensbury, was sentenced July 10 to six years in state prison, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, in Saratoga Springs. Irwing Gonzalez, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced July 7 to eight years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision, and Brandy Barragan, 35, was sentenced to eight years in state prison, after pleading to criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony. The convictions follow a two-month investigation, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. On Sept. 21, 2016, Gonzalez and Barragan sold 100 grams of cocaine to a police agent for $5,000 while in a dorm room at 246 Union Ave. Several
Eric
T. Sutherland, 20, of Gansevoort, was sentenced July 7 to five years of probation, after pleading to the dissemination of indecent materials to a minor, a felony, in Northumberland.
Robert H. Costanzo, 47, of Staten Island, pleaded on July 12 to felony burglary, regarding an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 13. Edward J. Jones, 37, of Saratoga, pleaded on July 12 to second degree rape, a felony. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 12. Rafael Brito, 21, of Ballston Spa, pleaded July 12 to failure to register as a sex offender, a felony. Sentencing scheduled for Sept. 11.
POLICE Brian F. Jones, Jr., age 31, of Ballston Spa, was charged on July 11 with sexual abuse in the second-degree and forcible touching – both misdemeanors, after an investigation of an incident that allegedly occurred May 31 at Jones’ home where Jones is suspected of subjecting an adult female acquaintance to unwanted sexual contact without her consent. He was arraigned and released to return to Milton Town Court Aug. 13. Robert S. Loomis, Jr., age 29, of Schuylerville was charged July 7 with attempted rape in the firstdegree, a felony, misdemeanor assault, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. Loomis is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with a person by forcible compulsion and intentionally causing physical injury. The victim is known to Loomis, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department. The alleged domestic incident occurred on Broad Street. Loomis was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond.
Kevin S. Cuva, age 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged on July 2 with aggravated criminal contempt, a felony.
of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Heidi M. Desmarais, age 50, North Bennington, Vermont, was charged on July 2 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.
Kenneth C. Gordon, age 26, Clifton Park, was charged July 1 with felony criminal mischief.
Jesus J. Diaz, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged on July 2 with misdemeanor DWI. Michael B. Smith, age 41, Kenner, Louisiana, was charged on July 2 with public lewdness, a misdemeanor. Noah Graj, age 38, Pleasantville, was charged on July 1 with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance one felony count criminal possession
Ronald P. Gilday, age 58, Saratoga Springs, was charged July 1 with misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Lawrence Santucci, age 43, Cohoes, was charged July 1 with misdemeanor DWI. Paul J. Sims, age 25, Saratoga Springs, was charged July 1 with felony criminal mischief. Thomas J. P. Martin, age 27, Ballston Spa, was charged July 1 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.
6
OBITUARIES/LETTERS
LeRoy E. Palmer
Anne M. Senecal
Rita M. Nomi
BURNT HILLS — LeRoy “Roy” E. Palmer, 82, passed away June 25, 2017. Memorial service will be held July 26, 7 p.m., Ballston Spa United Methodist Church, 101 Milton Ave. (Rt. 50). Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
BALLSTON SPA — Anne M. Senecal passed away peacefully with her family at her side. Calling hours were July 16, 2017 at Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Mass of Christian burial celebrated July 17, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. Burial followed, St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Waterford. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita M. Nomi, 90, formerly of Congress St., died Sunday, July 16, 2017. Burial was in St. Peter’s Cemetery and memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, 142 Regent St., Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome. com.
Henrietta Lofink
Joan Allen
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Henrietta (Etta) Lofink passed away July 10, 2017. A “Celebration of Life” was held Monday, July 17 at the Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Burial was private at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome. com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan Mary Brennan nee’ Allen, entered into the hands of the Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2017. A funeral service was held July 18, Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs. Burial was private. Arrangements were under the direction of Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
Michael Pendergast
David S. Brumley
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Michael J. Pendergast passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. The service was a private family affair. Arrangements were under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — David S. Brumley passed away on July 12, 2017 at his beloved camp in the Adirondacks. Calling hours were Tuesday, July 18, at Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. A Mass was celebrated Wednesday, July 19 at St. Mary’s Church, Ballston Spa. Please visit at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Burke & Bussing
518-584-5373
Funeral Homes
628 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 12866
SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373
burkefuneralhome.com
John Vincek WILTON — John Vincek passed away on Monday, July 17, 2017. Calling hours were Thursday, July 20, Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. today, Friday, July 21, St. Clement’s Church, Lake Ave. Burial will follow, St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Please visit at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Eli Lee Dietsch GANSEVOORT — Eli Lee Dietsch, 89, passed away Monday, July 17, 2017. Burial with military honors will take place on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
Joan Allen SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joan Mary Brennan nee’ Allen, entered into the hands of the Lord on Saturday, July 15, 2017. A funeral service was held July 18, Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs. Burial was private. Arrangements were under the direction of Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Consider New Shelter Location As one of the residents participating in a lawsuit against the City of Saratoga Springs regarding the location of the Code Blue Shelter, and a former volunteer of the Shelters of Saratoga (SOS), I feel it is necessary to defend our position. This is a neighborhood, zoned as residential. Rezoning this area for a “Neighborhood Rooming House” is a stretch, when the facility will be a Code Blue Shelter. The Planning Board and Zoning Board continue to use the argument that mixing the SOS population, which is alcohol and drug free, with the Code Blue population, which is not, is a good idea. However, they have offered no empirical or professional proof this is true. Our city’s transient homeless population has increased approximately 7 times since 2014. The city is now responsible for the safety and well-being of the entire county’s homeless population, even though the city represents just 12 percent of the county’s population of 250,000. The other towns, counties, and Department of Social Services bring homeless persons to Saratoga Springs, but do they pick them up? The city and SOS are now asking one small residential neighborhood to take on the burden of the entire county’s (and some
surrounding counties’) homeless population. The members of the Planning Board have a responsibility to uphold the city’s Zoning Ordinance for the “maximum protection of residential areas” and “for ensuring that the proposed use will not adversely affect surrounding properties and community character.” Safety and quality of life issues would exist for neighbors and their children, the Division Street Elementary School, and the public park—all just a stone’s throw away. Expensive demands would be placed on our public facilities–library and parks—and public services–police, EMS, fire department—with none of these expenses paid for by the state, county or other townships. My neighbors and I are in full support of the mission of the Shelters of Saratoga and in building a Code Blue facility. However, we are asking for a more thoughtful location to be considered, as when the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the Code Blue Shelter will not be open. During freezing cold days, the shelter will not be open. Where will these people go then? Marika Murray Saratoga Springs
Charter Proposal Is a Mystery No one seems to know what the Saratoga Springs city government will look like if the proposed new charter is adopted. This proposed charter sets up a city council to hire a city manager. It then gives that unknown manager the authority to “establish, modify, or restructure city departments, offices, or
agencies….” Read it for yourself. Right now I live in a beautiful, clean, and safe city with low taxes. Why would I want to dismantle a government that provides all that and trade it for who knows what some unknown city manager might put together for an unknown cost? Jim Chatfield Saratoga Springs
7
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
New Greenhouse Goes Up at Pitney Farm SARATOGA SPRINGS — “It’s like an old-fashioned barn raising,” says Paul Arnold. “Everybody’s pitching in.” Arnold was talking about a large greenhouse that volunteers have built behind the silo at Pitney Meadows Community Farm (PMCF) on West Avenue. As chair of PMCF’s buildings and grounds committee, Arnold directed its construction. The community farm will use the structure—manufactured by Quebec-based Harnois Greenhouses—to grow vegetables and to host events for as many as 300 people. Its 6,200-square-foot floor will cover a space one-tenth the size of a football field. On Tuesday, August 1, PMCF will hold its biggest annual fundraiser in the new structure from 6 to 10 p.m. Five nationally renowned farm-to-table chefs will produce “Fire Feast on the Farm,”
Photos by PhotoandGraphic.com
Volunteer Bill Pitney working the John Deere.
a multi-course dinner cooked over five live-fire pits. The greenhouse will be the perfect venue for the Fire Feast, says Arnold. “Everyone loves the Pitney Farm for its sunsets. We’ll leave the western end open and hope for a spectacular show.”
Among those who volunteered is Ryan McFadden, owner of the Henry Street Taproom and a member of the Fire Feast coordination team. “It’s so great to have our own farm right here in Saratoga,” McFadden says.
“You can’t get any more local than this, and local sourcing is what we pride ourselves on at Henry Street Taproom. It’s a wonderful thing for everyone in the community.” “When I heard about the Fire Feast and these five
big-name chefs coming in from around the country, I just wanted to get involved,” McFadden said. For more information, or to buy Fire Feast tickets, visit the PMCF website at www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org.
8
NEWS
Housing Project Debate Ends in Milton by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY MILTON — A lively public hearing was held Wednesday inside Milton’s popular community center on Northline Road, focusing on the merits of a construction project that is planned about a mile away. At the outset, Supervisor Dan Lewza said there was “not going to be a give-and-take between the resident and the applicant,” or Malta Development owner Tom Samascott. Yet, through the course of about three hours, that’s basically what happened. A majority of nearly 50 speakers were opposed to Samascott’s proposal to build a “senior apartment complex” of 83 leasable units in serene woods between Hutchins Road and Margaret Drive. Most cited concerns about increased traffic and the impacts on existing neighborhoods of single-family homes. However, a vocal contingent of Samascott’s supporters showed up to argue in favor.
The formal public hearing was preceded by a lengthy presentation from Saratoga Springs attorney Michael Toohey. “I’m very proud to be representing Tom Samascott,” Toohey told Lewza and the other four Milton Town Board members. “Very seldom in my career have I heard or read as much vehemence, as much misinformation…as I’ve heard with regard to this particular project,” he added. For Samascott’s proposal to move forward, the town board would have to approve changing the current residential zoning to a Planned Development District. A vote on that change is expected soon. Samascott, who also owns the much larger Winner’s Circle apartment complex off Geyser Road, grew up close to the intended project site. His mother still resides in the same house around the corner on Coachman Drive. (A family member of this writer lives on Coachman Drive as well.) “I can only speak to the fact that I’ve been involved, and worked with
Malta Development for nearly 30 years,” offered Randall Countermine, owner of the New Dimensions landscaping company in Gansevoort that maintains the lawns and shrubs at Winner’s Circle. “They deliver what they promise, and they better the communities that they choose to deliver in.” Several Winner’s Circle residents also appeared at the podium in support. “I grew up with Tom Samascott. He’s a very honorable man,” stated Wade Carter, whose family owns the 14-acre property off Hutchins Road that would be sold to Malta Development. “It’s time for us to sell. We have no choice,” Carter added, noting how his family has seen many changes in Milton. “I don’t feel we should be denied because some people are nervous about what it’s going to do.” Hutchins Road homeowner Dorothy Christiansen led the opponents—both longtime area residents like her and newer arrivals. “We neighbors are not in opposition to
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017 having senior housing,” she said. “We are opposed to having it in the middle of an R-1 residential district.” In the days before the July 19 hearing, Christiansen posted comments in an online forum called “neighbors.com” that encouraged a large turnout and summarized her views. “The developer is promoting this as a 55-plus age housing community,” she wrote. “As anyone who lives in Milton has seen, there is a saturation of these housing offerings throughout the town, with more being built, and there is no dire need for more.” “To allow such a development would detract from us being a well-balanced ‘family’ community as well as it undermining the community’s vision as expressed in the Comprehensive Plan,” Christiansen argued, referring to a document approved long ago by town officials. “Let your voice be heard as citizens, like myself, refusing to swallow the spot-zoning/ anti-Comprehensive Plan pill that the developer has prescribed.” Lewza repeatedly granted Christiansen opportunities to reiterate such points when numerous
Michael Toohey (at right) and Joseph Dannible of Environmental Design Partnership address Milton officials. Photo by Larry Goodwin.
speakers had yielded their time to her. Early on the supervisor joked that she would “wear a path” to the podium. Bruce Boghosian, a Saratoga Springs developer who has built condominiums in Milton, raised more serious concerns. He implored the town board to consider the ethics of several business relationships for the Hutchins Road project. Boghosian also alleged that there was a “misrepresentation of the fact” that a public sewer system existed, when most of the affected area is served by private septic tanks. “I stand by the fact,” Toohey responded, “that there’s something else going on with regard to these comments.”
NEWS 9
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Today is like New Year’s in July
by Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for Saratoga TODAY Today is the day. Opening day of the 2017 Saratoga Race Meet at the oldest sporting venue in the United States – the Saratoga Race Course. There is excitement in the air. All of us who are in the business community have a sense of purpose. We’re on a mission to do our best to welcome the world to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County, New York! This year is different. NYRA is once again in private hands. Two years ago, many bet against us suggesting that state government control over NYRA would never be overturned. Thankfully, Senator Kathy Marchione and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner understood that government control over the Saratoga Race Course and our state’s Thoroughbred horse racing industry was not ideal, particularly in the long term. Our Senator and our Assemblywoman led a successful bipartisan effort to reprivatize NYRA as a not-for-profit organization. They won and our community is better as a result of their leadership and diligence to advocate for us. The new NYRA has a new logo. They are working on a range of capital upgrades to improve the Saratoga Race Course. They are embracing new technologies to attract new fans to the sport. NYRA continues to partner with our Chamber to attract visitors from key drive markets with cooperative television ads that
appear in areas from Boston to Buffalo and Hartford to Syracuse. Tonight and tomorrow night, we will host our Hat’s Off Festival to attract those going to the track during the day to come downtown at night. Yesterday, NYRA CEO Chris Kay spoke at our Chamber breakfast with our members to describe what is new and better this year at the Saratoga Race Course. Early indications from area hotels suggest we’re in for a successful summer season. We’ve enjoyed a series of ribbon cuttings for new businesses eager to serve those who visit Saratoga this summer. Now, we just need the weather to cooperate. For me, our continued success rests with everyone understanding our economy and quality of life is better when our downtown is vibrant AND the race course is successful. We really need both to win for everyone to do well. A vibrant downtown and regional economy helps NYRA attract more fans. And, a successful race meet helps attract more visitors to our City and County. Our advertising campaign for Saratoga County, as an example, rarely is focused on just one local destination. We use great photos and videos from SPAC, the Saratoga National Historical Park, Saratoga County’s outdoor adventure opportunities on the water and our expanding trail network. We share stories about local craft beverages, spas, the Saratoga Casino, Saratoga Polo, Shakespeare in the Park, area film festivals, summer programs at Skidmore College, golf courses, natural springs, and the Saratoga County Fair. We promote hundreds of places to stay, dine, shop, play, and explore across the region every day of the year. But still, opening day at the Saratoga Race Course is a special day in Saratoga. Of course, the other 364 aren’t too bad either!
10
NEWS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
City Immigration Issues: It’s Complicated by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — Challenging. Extremely nuanced. And very, very complicated. The city’s recently formed Human Rights Task Force hosted a Town Hall at Skidmore College on a stormy Monday evening regarding the impact of immigration in Saratoga Springs. The moderated panel discussion included regional business owners, an attorney specializing in immigration employment matters relating and local and state community leaders and representatives. The prevailing sentiment of the informational meeting – which was attended by about 175 people and included an audience Q&A session – is that even as Saratoga Springs strives to be “a welcoming and all-inclusive community,” there are limits to what the city can do regarding immigrant workers – both documented and undocumented - given that federal laws supersede local ones. “What we have done is everything we can do,” said city Mayor Joanne Yepsen. “This is a federal agency. This is The White House. And we don’t have legal grounds.” Earlier this year, the mayor founded a city Human Rights Task Force – which focuses mostly on education, programming such as Monday’s event, and providing referrals to local agencies that can assist in immigration issues.
In March, city Police Chief Greg Veitch said while the department will work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or I.C.E. if asked, local police will not detain anyone solely for a civil violation of federal immigration laws. In June, federal agents conducted two separate operations in Saratoga Springs, arresting a total of 26 “unlawfully present foreign nationals,” according to the agency. In recent months, two citybased churches stepped forward with a sanctuary pledge for undocumented immigrants who are targets of deportation. I.C.E. typically operates under guidelines that recognize places like churches and schools as sensitive locations where agents would not normally carry out enforcement actions. However, there are no guarantees. “Designating oneself as a ‘sanctuary’ doesn’t mean that people without immigration status are immune from federal law,” notes attorney Brendan Venter, an immigrant specialist with the Whiteman Osterman & Hanna firm in Albany. More than 11 countries are represented on the backstretch said Task Force member Diane Barnes Monday, adding that besides the racecourse, high-profile employers such as Skidmore College and Global Foundries also employ a good number of immigrants. Panelist and local business owner Patrick Pipino spoke about the large immigrant work force Announcing Solo Art Exhibition with artist Patricia M. Carroll-Trudeau of River House Art Studio! Artist Reception Friday Evening August 4th, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 Uncommon Grounds 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Please join in viewing the interpretations of nature and spirit: featuring past creations of life, and recent works of horse's soul.
Townhall at Skidmore on July 17, 2017. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
in the food and restaurant business. “Good people. Hard working people. Why Saratoga? I think it’s easy to pick off people because we’re a high-profile community, and in my opinion there’s a new sheriff in town and he wants to show he’s tough on immigration.” Business owners are required to turn over employment records to federal authorities when asked and when they arrive with warrant in hand. Those detained are held locally in Albany for only a couple of days before being sent to federal detention in Buffalo,
which makes timeliness of representation difficult where they can plead their case. One resource available to anyone with immigration questions is at the New York State Office for New Americans, which is funded by Catholic Charities and offers resources in 200 different languages. “First it will help refer you to an organization that will provide assistance on any immigrant-related questions. It’s all free and confidential,” New York Department of State’s Laura
González-Murphy - who directs the New York State Office for New Americans - said Monday night. “We’re also going to be using that as a resource to connect with legal assistance, for an attorney.” The agency can be reached by phone at 1-800-566-7636. “People who know an immigrant can call, immigrants themselves can call. It’s for anyone who needs assistance,” she said. “I think there is a humanitarian effort to this, because families are being broken apart in ways we haven’t seen before,” Yepsen said.
American Red Cross Blood Drive Monday SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Casino Hotel is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 24 inside the hotel ballroom. The blood drive comes following an emergency call from the Red Cross for donors to give now. They are currently experiencing a severe summer blood shortage, and need additional supplies so patients can continue receiving the lifesaving treatments they need. Right now,
blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. “There is a serious need for blood and platelet donors immediately,” said Patty Corvaia, Communications Manager for the New York – Penn Blood Services Region, in a statement. “Donations are needed now to meet the needs of hospital patients and in the coming days and weeks.” To date, Saratoga Casino Hotel has collected over 1,000
blood donations at their biannual blood drives. The collections have gone on to directly help over 3,000 patients in need. All presenting donors at this year’s Blood Drive will receive a Free Red Cross T-Shirt and a $10 voucher to Perks Café, located in the hotel lobby. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to the July 24 Blood Drive. To schedule a time, call 518-581-5774 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
NEWS 11
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Lawsuit Challenges Siting of Homeless Emergency Shelter on City’s West Side Continued from front page.
city’s Land Use boards and was anticipated to open Nov. 1, in advance of the winter season. During the past few months, many who have spoken at public hearings in opposition to siting the shelter have delicately tiptoed through a not-in-my-backyard verbalization to urge that a shelter be built elsewhere. The lawsuit,
filed Wednesday against the city Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, claims the project doesn’t fit into the neighborhood. “The bottom line is it does not meet the definition of a neighborhood rooming house, and it doesn’t meet the criteria for a special use permit – those are the two main claims,” said Glens-Falls based attorney Claudia Braymer, who is representing those
Notes from City Hall by Thomas Dimopoulos Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city tapped the brakes regarding a small parcel of land at a key intersection on South Broadway it was gifted earlier this year, pending a further review of its history as a longtime gas station. The property sits at 209 South Broadway - adjacent to a Dunkin’ Donuts shop - and has been vacant for a decade. In April, David Eshaghian - doing business as the Crown Oil Co. – expressed a desire to gift to the city the parcel, which was recently appraisal set at a value of $340,000. In May, the City Council unanimously voted to enter into a memorandum of understanding – an intention to enter into a contract. In 2008, the city considered purchasing the 0.2-acre parcel and subsequently developing a pocket park that would
feature equine sculptures. Earlier this year, in her State of The City address, city Mayor Joanne Yepsen reported that the Open Space Committee was still actively working to acquire the parcel. The city is still considering turning the property into a pocket park, but on Monday, DPW Commissioner Skip Scirocco urged caution and insisted before the city accepts the property, it ought to be better examined should there be any lingering hazardous conditions given its previous standing as a longtime gas station. “Sometimes, if something seems to be too good to be true, it is,” Scirocco said. The council, which this week was slated to vote to accept the parcel, instead will now explore its options, which includes evaluating the cost of conducting a property study, before accepting the parcel.
opposed to the chosen location of the project. “Obviously we want to help people who are homeless – most of my clients have expressed that to me - but it’s a matter of garnering good community support though, in finding the right location for it,” Braymer said. Last month, city Republican mayoral candidate Mark Baker released a statement to say the shelter proposal “does not adequately respect our neighborhoods and current residents,” and suggested that a city shelter may bring more people in need from outside the community to Saratoga Springs. Current Democrat City Mayor Joanne Yepsen, who in December 2013 helped spearhead the first temporary emergency shelter in the city, responded that Baker’s accusation that the temporary shelter has contributed to the homeless problem was “misinformed, uncompassionate, and just plain mean spirited.” Siting an emergency shelter
at a permanent location has been a high priority following a series of temporary shelter venues that have been staged at St. Peter’s Parish Center, the Salvation Army building and the Soul Saving Station Church. Officials at Shelters of Saratoga – who currently operate two other buildings on the Walworth Street property as well as a twice-a-week “drop-in” center – say having the Code Blue shelter in close proximity to the case-managed shelters maximizes the opportunity to provide a full continuum of services and more easily connect homeless individuals with the support services they need. Between 2007 and 2015
homelessness in New York increased by 41 percent, according to the 2015 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Between 2014 and 2015 alone, New York State’s homeless population jumped by 7,660 - the largest increase in the nation for the one-year period. The average number of overnight guests at the temporary Code Blue shelter this past winter season – 41 per night – was an all-time high. An executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo directs emergency shelters to operate when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
12
BUSINESS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Second Combined Adirondack Trust and Stewart’s Planned in Wilton Photos by PhotoAndGraphic.com.
by Larry Goodwin Saratoga TODAY WILTON — Adirondack Trust and Stewart’s Shops officials are planning a second combined location at the intersection of Northern Pines Road and Route 9, several months after fire ravaged a bank branch behind the existing convenience store. Maria D’Amelia, a spokeswoman for Stewart’s, said this week that initial discussions had occurred among officials at both companies after a March 14 blaze decimated the Adirondack Trust in Wilton during a heavy snowstorm. D’Amelia confirmed that a new structure is being planned to accommodate the bank and replace the current Stewart’s store, which was originally built in 1994. “We would actually be shifting our building over slightly,” she explained, as a means to improve and “increase the flow” of traffic. “We’ll be ready to go as
An aerial view of the Northern Pines Road and Route 9 intersection in Wilton.
A ground view of the vacant corner lot.
soon as we receive the approvals,” D’Amelia added. The first combined Adirondack Trust and Stewart’s location, in Malta’s Luther Forest, was celebrated with a grand opening in May. The Wilton Planning Board this week tabled the new proposal instead of sending it to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals. D’Amelia said a variance is
into three lots, one of which would have to be purchased to build the new Adirondack Trust and Stewart’s complex. Lucy Harlow, the planning
required because there will be setbacks that are beyond “what the current zoning calls for” at that location. The property is divided
board’s executive secretary, indicated that it could be several months before a public hearing is set and the project receives its final approvals.
Clifton Park IT Firm Acquired CLIFTON PARK — ConvergeOne, a leading IT services provider of collaboration and technology solutions, announced this week that it has acquired Annese and Associates, Inc., a Cisco Gold Certified Partner and IT thought leader based in Clifton Park. Effective immediately, Annese is now Annese, a ConvergeOne Company.
This acquisition solidifies ConvergeOne’s position as a leading provider of collaboration and IT-enabled solutions in the market today. With the acquisition, Ray Apy will continue to lead Annese as senior vice president reporting to Paul Maier, president and CEO of Solutions at ConvergeOne. “At Annese, our focus has always been on the longevity of
our business and doing right by our employees,” Apy said. “As part of a much larger company, this acquisition will provide our employees with unparalleled professional growth and development opportunities. Through ConvergeOne’s broad reach and manufacturer portfolio, our customers will gain more flexibility coupled with the same great customer service approach they’ve come to expect from Annese.” “This acquisition is an ideal addition to ConvergeOne and represents a natural progression in our ongoing strategy to develop and grow customer relationships by providing comprehensive solutions, services, and support,” said John A. McKenna Jr., chairman and CEO of ConvergeOne. The company is based in Minnesota. “ConvergeOne shares Annese’s focus and commitment to deliver outcome-based solutions for our customers. As a Cisco Gold Partner, the Annese team brings additional Cisco solutions and service capabilities in enterprise networking, security, collaboration, and cloud, backed by four decades of experience and expertise. This acquisition enables us to increase our presence in the northeastern United States and advance our leadership position as a single-source provider of multivendor technologies, support, and services.”
BUSINESS BRIEFS 13
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Fingerpaint Names ‘Creative Duo’
Andy Spitzer. Photo provided.
and spent the next two decades rising through the ranks to the respected and well-earned role of creative director. His background includes consumer and healthcare experience, from medical devices to ophthalmology to chronic disease, oncology, and hair loss. His unique stamp has been placed on campaigns used by some of the world’s most recognizable brands.
Digital Strategist Joins PEP
Katie Beller. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fingerpaint, a full-service marketing agency with offices in Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio, has named a longtime creative duo as the new leaders of the agency’s creative team. Katie Beller and Andy Spitzer will be based in the agency’s Saratoga Springs headquarters. Beller and Spitzer, professional partners for a number of years, have won coveted industry awards, such as American Advertising Awards, Clio Awards, Manny Awards, and honors from the prestigious Cannes Lions Health Festival. The pair, who most recently served as creative directors at GSW Worldwide, will work together to lead copy and art, instilling at Fingerpaint a new structure for creative direction. Beller’s career began with copywriting duties for consumer brands and evolved to creative direction, where her influence and leadership proved critical on a number of high-profile healthcare campaigns that earned global praise. She brings to Fingerpaint a portfolio of experience that spans more than 20 years and includes work on campaigns for surgical devices, dermatology, osteoporosis, eye care, diabetes, and ADHD. Spitzer began his career as a storyboard artist in England
and strategic goals through the use of Web technologies and digital marketing. Before joining PEP, Boulay worked with businesses in Rochester and Western New York to help promote growth through online channels. Previously, he was a marketing manager at Merkle Incorporated, a global marketing agency, where he developed digital and media plans for such clients as Gerber Life and Nestlé. Boulay also managed accounts and multimilliondollar digital media buys for major retail clients, including Estée Lauder, and global marketing agencies iProspect and DAC Group. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Saratoga Saddlery Fashion Show Set
Leonard Bus Sales Partners with Food Banks SARATOGA SPRINGS — Leonard Bus Sales announced that they have partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, and six other regional food banks, to help end child hunger and raise awareness about the importance of supporting local food banks throughout New York State.
Harrison Boulay. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Patient Experience Project (PEP), a full-service, patientcentric marketing and communications agency based in the city, has welcomed Harrison Boulay to its digital strategy team. In his role at PEP, Boulay is responsible for helping clients drive customer engagement, improve the patient experience, and meet business
August 7, Saratoga Saddlery will be holding an annual Jude Connally Fashion and Trunk Show at its 506 Broadway location, starting at 12 p.m. There also will be fall previews displayed and customer giveaways. Connally graduated from Lansingburgh High School and now designs and manufactures her own fashion line in the United States. She found a void in the market for comfortable clothing that still makes women look and feel amazing. Attendees are welcome to enjoy food, music, drinks and fashion with the Saratoga Saddlery team alongside Connally. Saratoga Saddlery and International Boutiques focuses on equestrian lifestyle brands. For more information, call 518-580-4522 or visit www.saratogasaddlery.com.
Jude Connally. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On
Leonard Bus Sales, the region’s distributor of IC Bus and Trans Tech brand school buses, is supporting schoolbased backpack and food pantry programs that provide meals to children when they are not in school. Its donations were announced during the New York Association for Pupil Transportation’s annual School Transportation Conference held this week at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Road in Colonie. Leonard Bus Sales is supporting school-based backpack and food pantry programs servicing 57 counties. In those counties, roughly 22,000 children benefit from these programs each week— the company will help feed about 4,000 children per year. Established by the group Feeding America, the national backpack program provides meals to over 450,000 children in need during the time they are not in school. The food is usually discretely distributed at the end of the school day, and given to the child when they leave for the weekend or vacation. To learn more about school-based hunger programs or to find regional food banks in your area, Leonard Bus Sales recommends the website feedingamerica.org.
14
EDUCATION
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Radio Dreams: Skidmore Radio Offers Youth Program Continued from front page.
this summer, with the goal of showing Capital Region kids the inner workings of radio production and sound engineering. According to the project’s official website, the project teaches kids “everything you need to be a radio DJ, talk show host, audio documentarian, and podcaster.” The kids involved with the program are mostly preteens, but the range of ages runs from as young as seven to as old as 20. Simon and Tinkle wanted to be sure that the program would show that kids of all ages could gain things from radio production. Two days out of the week, the program runs workshops
for its participating kids in the C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, one at the Saratoga Springs location and the other at the Schenectady venue. Another two days out of the week, they take what they have learned in the workshops and run actual broadcasts from WSPN. On these days, Mondays and Thursdays, from 4-6 p.m., Simon either broadcasts prerecorded material produced during the workshops, or he works with the kids live in the studio. Simon said that for some of the younger participants, the sense of planning something and seeing it play out for an audience is the most engaging part of the program. The program was made possible via a grant as part of Skidmore’s Faculty/Student Summer Research program, which allows individuals with the school to have around 5-10 weeks of lab or classroom time on-campus during the summer for research purposes. Unlike the traditional research pursuits that this program allows for, the Upstate Youth Radio Project is acting as a sort of pilot program, providing a means for facilitating youth involvement in radio production and testing the waters for a potential network of youth radio programs in the Saratoga area and beyond.
All photos courtesy of Adam Simon.
Upstate Youth Radio’s setup at a local farmers’ market.
“We are basically acting as if we could propose a sort of permanent installation of this project,” Simon said. The inspiration for the project partly came from similar projects that Tinkle had run in the past focused on getting young kids involved in experimental and improvisational music. Simon also said that the school’s possession of its own radio station was a major inspiration for creating the program. Creating such a program also went a ways to fixing the situation whereby the station would have to rely on automated playlists in the summer when many of its student DJ’s would be back home. Simon is a philosophy major at Skidmore College
with a minor in media and film studies. He has been involved with Skidmore’s local radio station, WSPN, as a radio DJ since his freshman year.
Tinkle is a visiting professor at the school, teaching film and media studies with the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative.
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Guy Mastrion named Harder Chair at Skidmore College
the liberal arts program, and energetically enhance Skidmore’s contacts with the leaders of both the Saratoga and the national business communities.
History, Legends, Lore and More Walking Tour
Skidmore’s new Harder Chair, Guy Mastrion.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Guy Mastrion, entrepreneur and creative industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in brand development, digital strategy, advertising, design, photography and film for global brands, has been appointed the ninth F. William Harder Chair of Business at Skidmore College. Mastrion is founder and Chief Creative Officer of Brandforming, a multidisciplinary creative organization with expertise in design, campaign and digital work dedicated to the creation and transformation of brands. The firm’s clients represent myriad industries including health and wellness, financial services, entertainment, transportation, consumer/packaged goods, food and beverage, travel, automotive and fashion brands. He is also a founding member of Watershed Bridges, a unique network of partner firms established by experienced industry veterans, and dedicated to connecting for a change in healthcare communications. “I’m very honored with the appointment to the Harder Chair. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to work directly with a very smart group of people at Skidmore including, of course, the students. Collaborating across multiple disciplines, interests, and areas of study promises to be quite inspiring,” said Mastrion. Mastrion will begin his fiveyear term as Harder Chair in August, replacing Cathy Hill who has served in the role since 2012. Established in 1984, the F. William Harder Chair of Business Administration is designed to make possible the appointment of a distinguished executive at the senior level, who will teach a variety of courses, participate in the development of the College’s program in business and in the interactions between the Management and Business Development and
SARATOGA SPRINGS — This tour celebrates Saratoga’s Victorian era and the classic Victorian stroll. The 90-minute walking tour will stroll through Congress Park, take in the waters, and tell the stories of Saratoga’s most colorful characters, beloved monuments, and treasured artwork. -Tours will be held June 23, 24, and 30 -July 1 - Sept. 4, tours will run Monday-Saturday -Sept. 9 to Oct. 21 tours will be Saturdays only -There will be no tours on Sundays throughout the season All tours begin at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine and meet at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The cost is $8.00 per person, and children under 12 are free. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at 518-587-3241.
Hudson Crossing Park’s 13th Annual Cardboard Boat Race SCHUYLERVILLE — Hudson Crossing Park will present its 13th Annual Cardboard Boat Race on Aug. 12 (rain date is Aug. 13) at Fort Hardy Park beach on Route 29 in Schuylerville from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. This year’s theme is “The Erie Canal, We Dig It!” to celebrate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal that was started on July 4, 1817. The first cardboard boat race launches at 1 p.m. Admission is free for spectators. On-site registration and cardboard boat construction is open from 8-11 a.m. Rules, registration forms, and hints to get started with boat building are available at http://www.hudsoncrossingpark.org. Race participants will construct a “human-powered” boat made of corrugated cardboard or 100 percent recycled materials, which will hold at least one crew member and be
“seaworthy” enough to race a short distance on the Hudson River. Racers may construct their boats ahead of time or on the morning of the event (materials will be available at the event site for a nominal fee). Call Park Director Cindy Wian at 518-350-PARK (7275) or e-mail info@hudsoncrossingpark.org for more information.
Tango Fusion Dance Classes SARATOGA SPRINGS — Join Tango Fusion for dance classes at the National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Admission is free. -6:30 p.m. - East Coast Swing (all levels) -7:30 p.m. - West Coast Swing (beginner and intermediate) -8:30 p.m. - Argentine Tango (beginner and intermediate) Please note that the 6:30 and 7:30 class will be held in the museum’s foyer and the 8:30 Tango classes will be held in the Swyer Studios behind the museum. For more information, contact the Tango Fusion Dance Company at 518-932-6447.
15 Schuylerville Freshman Walkthrough and iPad Distribution
Elementary School. Parents looking for more information should visit www.saratogaschools.org.
SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School invites all incoming 9th grade students to tour the school on Aug. 29 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. The purpose of this event is to provide students with the opportunity to informally tour the building, set up lockers and map out the location of their classes. Students will also get to pick up their new iPad Pro, which will be assigned to them for the school year. Students and parents must complete the loan agreement for their iPads prior to picking them up. The form can be found online at www.schuylervilleschools.org.
Children’s Museum to Celebrate Big Truck Day
Saratoga Schools Kindergarten Screening SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Central School District will hold its kindergarten screening for the 2017-2018 school year on July 26 at Caroline Street
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Children’s Museum’s Big Truck Day will be held at The Maple Avenue Middle School parking lot in Saratoga Springs on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Big Truck Day is one of The Children’s Museum’s primary fundraisers, which allows the museum to offer quality programs and learning opportunities for children and families throughout our community all year long. The event will feature trucks of all shapes and sizes for children to tour. There will also be a number of other activities for the entire family. For more information, go to www.cmssny.org.
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Families
17
TODAY
Pages 17-22
Used Furniture Store Now Open
by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY BALLSTON SPA — The shops along Milton Avenue contain a treasure trove of unique pieces at affordable prices. Here, the DIY-er can define their own style with everything from clothing and jewelry to antiques and garden décor. New to the eclectic mix is The Store at Rebuilding Together, which opened Thursday. “We’re thrilled to be here in Ballston Spa. It fits into the area, and the outpouring of support has been amazing,” said Michelle Larkin, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County. The assortment of gently used furniture, décor, and household items for sale in the bright showroom have all been donated by area residents to help the nonprofit group raise funds for the home improvement and revitalization work they do throughout the region. “Our goal is; the more we can cover our operations costs through the store, the more people we can help in the community,” said Larkin. Housing should cost no more than 30 percent of a homeowner’s income, but many spend much
more. It’s a concern that resonates with many of the local officials and community representatives that were among the approximately 50 people at Thursday’s ribbon cutting. “The store is something we’ve been talking about since 2003. It’s a big picture idea for a small nonprofit,” she said. Moving into the space at 132 Milton Ave. in January, a group of the organization’s core volunteers worked to tear out the sinks and walls that divided the 6,000 sq. feet when it operated as a hair salon. Pulling up the top layer of flooring revealed the original wood floors below, which have now been refinished and add to the bright, clean, open feel of the main space. A side room currently displays small inexpensive items such as utensils, movies and games. A nook in the back houses tabletop accessories. Everything is artfully staged, and project ideas are provided to inspire shoppers. “We want to upcycle and give a new life to these things. What we want to do here is really two things; for people to find things
they want to buy, and to get ideas. A china cabinet can now be a linen closet, a hutch transformed into an entertainment center,” said Larkin. They also hope to offer restoration workshops and homeowner training downstairs in the area currently used for storage. The last six months was focused on prepping the main space, however.
“The most challenging part was putting together all the pieces – with signage, marketing, pricing, staging – you’re always remembering one more thing,” said volunteer Jean McLellan. She and her husband Jeff started volunteering with Rebuilding Together 12 years ago. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors. In the truest sense, it’s giving back to the community,” he said.
The Rebuilding Together Store at 132 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa is open Wednesday-Friday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are always being accepted and can be dropped Wednesdays and Fridays, or by appointment. For more information email store@rtsaratoga.org or call 518-587-3315.
18
Families
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
TODAY
The Chirping Smoke Detector: The Importance of Self-Care
by Meghan Lemery Fritz, LCSW-R
for Saratoga TODAY Do you feel exhausted most days? Do you sometimes find yourself filled with bursts of anger and rage? Do you feel resentful and jealous of the people around you? Often these feelings crop up when we detach from honoring what we want and need to feel healthy and rested. Many times I work with individuals who come in for their first appointment exhausted and angry. When I
explore the root of these feelings it is clear that most of the time they have abandoned self-care. You don’t have to live in a constant state of frustration and anxiety. The key to working through these feelings is to recognize that they serve as a warning to bring us back to the importance of mindfulness in everyday life and taking care of ourselves in the simplest of ways. We recently got home from a family vacation and quickly realized we had a chirping smoke detector. It took us some time to figure out which alarm needed a new battery and we were tired from a long travel day. I could feel the frustration mounting as my husband and I went from room to room closing doors and trying to pin point the problem. If we had not fixed it right away it would have continued to chirp keeping us awake at night and ignoring the warning could have led to a dangerous situation. Feeling exhausted, angry, resentful and stressed out is
a chirping smoke detector in your life. Don’t wait until you burn out to pay attention to these important signals. If you are someone who is prone to people pleasing behavior and has a tough time honoring what you want then you will most likely live in a constant state of exhaustion, frustration and disappointment. The common denominator is you, not everyone is out to upset you. Instead of being passive in your relationships begin to think about what you really want and need day to day and honor it! Simple steps of doing this on the day to day basis will help you feel energized and proactive in your daily life. If you have spent most of your adult life feeling disappointed by other people this is your chirping smoke detector warning you to take charge of your own happiness. Stop being passive in your daily life and do the work you need to do to figure out what you want.
I have seen people become paralyzed with anxiety and fear when I ask them to explore what they need and want every day to live a more meaningful, peaceful, happy life. I remember one particular session with an individual who was tired and frustrated. When I explored with them what they needed to live a more fulfilled, peaceful life the individual finally blurted out in a rage, “I just want to be left alone for five minutes every day!” My response was, “Okay, you can you make that happen!” Here was the reaction, “Are you kidding, do you have any idea the demands I have at work??? Without me everything would fall apart! I can’t just disappear and go meditate for an hour!!!” Do you see how you can be your own worst enemy when it comes to self-care? The idea of actually stopping for five minutes to take some time to be quiet and re-connect to self was an overwhelming thought.
Sometimes it’s easier to stay frustrated and blame others because it’s more comfortable than being proactive and finding a concrete solution. Living in a constant state of anxiety, exhaustion, frustration and stress can actually be your identity. It may be how you get attention, praise and validation. Don’t discount the depths of pathology the ego will go to to find admiration and worthiness. You have a choice to stop and find the chirping smoke detector in your life. Don’t wait until you are burned out and become sick emotionally, physically and spiritually. At the first signs of burn out stop and re-charge your batteries. Explore what you need and practice honoring self-care day to day. You are worth it! Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email: Meghanlemery@yahoo.com
Ticks and Lyme Disease
by Dr. Kevy Smith for Saratoga TODAY The warm summer months are a prime time to enjoy outdoor activities but they are also prime tick season. Ticks are most commonly found in wooded, brushy and grassy places but can also be carried onto lawns and into houses by pets. Ticks can transmit a variety of different diseases through their bite. One of the most prevalent tick-borne conditions here in the Northeast is Lyme disease.
Lyme is a bacterial disease that can be tricky to diagnose because there is such a variety in the symptoms and how they present in each person. Erythema Migrans or “Bulls-Eye Rash”, a hallmark sign of Lyme disease, occurs in and estimated 30-80% of patients infected with Lyme, and many of the other symptoms can often mimic other diseases and conditions. If left untreated, late stage Lyme disease can cause complications such as arthritis, nervous system irregularities, heartbeat irregularities, chronic inflammation, fatigue, and issues with memory and concentration. Therefore, prevention and early detection and treatment are key. Below are some tips to help avoid tick bites, and what to do if you get one.
Prevent Tick Bites: - Avoid heavily wooded areas, brush and tall grass - Stick to the center of the trail
when hiking/camping/etc. - Wear tall socks and long pants - Treat clothing with permethrin - Use tick repellents such as DEET or lavender/lemongrass/rosemary essential oils - Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 60 minutes after being outdoors to kill any ticks - Do a daily tick check (check everywhere on your body)
Removing Ticks: - Use fine tip tweezers to grasp the tick at the surface of your skin - Pull straight up, do not twist or jerk the tick
- Fever and chills
- Clean the bite and your hands with antiseptic or soap and warm water
- Headache
Early Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Erythema Migrans (Bulls-Eye rash) - Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain If you experience a tick bite or any of the above symptoms and live or work in an area where ticks are common, you should contact your
health care provide right away for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Kevy Smith is a chiropractor in Saratoga Springs providing non-surgical treatment of spinal disorders and sports-related injuries. For more information please visit MySaratogaChiropractor.com or call (518) 587-2064
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Families
19
TODAY
Summer Reading
by Katherine Morna Towne
for Saratoga TODAY I love reading to my boys. When my oldest few were little, I read to them all the time. I remember Harold and the Purple Crayon, Corduroy, and our most beloved Where the Wild Things Are being favorites, with the latter being read so often that I had it memorized and would tell it to them when we were waiting in line at the grocery store (it quieted them down every time). Now that life is much busier than it was in those days when I only had little boys, I don’t read to my current littles nearly as much. Their brothers pick up some of the slack—it’s the sweetest thing to see a big boy reading to his adoring little brother—and even when I do make an effort (as when I recently bought a new copy of Where the Wild Things Are, as our original copy had long since been loved to pieces,
literally), it doesn’t always work out well (my three-year-old was terrified of it and didn’t want me to read it again). So I make an extra effort to read to them during the summer—scheduled, daily reading time—when our days aren’t so crazy and I have them all together with me. I started doing so a couple of summers ago—I had really wanted to find a book that all of them could enjoy, that would be appropriate for all of them, from the three-year-old to the ten-yearold. I decided to try Charlotte’s Web, and it was an immediate hit. The chapters are short, and there are illustrations every couple of pages, so it doesn’t ask too much of the younger ones. I knew it was a good fit when I read this part (after several paragraphs about Wilbur the pig being sad that he was feeling lonely): “Wilbur didn’t want food, he wanted love. He wanted a friend -someone who would play with him.” And my three-year-old immediately put his hand high up in the air and said with wide eyes, “I will!” (Be still my heart!) That my little guy had connected with the story in such a way really reaffirmed that Charlotte’s Web was a good fit for our reading time, and when the next summer came and I wanted to start reading a book to them, I couldn’t think of a better one, so we read it again. And again this summer!
We’re about halfway through, and they’re all enjoying it. Some other books I’ve read to all of them include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its sequel Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (the boys vastly preferred the former), and I tried some of the Little House in the Prairie books but they never really stuck. We really only have time to get through two books as a family each summer (our second one this summer will probably be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory again), but there’s other reading that goes on as well. They all have books they have to read for school, which I’m always happy about, and I often try to read a book to my older two as well—something a little more grown up that the little guys can’t handle just yet, and
it usually ends up taking all summer. Sometimes it’s the book one of them need to read for school, like Wonder. Sometimes it’s a book I want to read with them in order to discuss any issues or questions that arise, like The Hunger Games. For the big boys, if a movie’s been made of the book we’ve just read, my husband and I will often watch that with them. If I could pick just one thing to do with my boys, it would likely be reading. I’ve always been a bookworm, and I love when I see my boys excited about a story and I love to share it with them by reading it together. Reading together often sparks great conversations about things on their minds, which I love. I love when I see them reading
on their own too! One of my boys recently got a dinosaur book from his aunt and uncle (to add to his vast collection of dinosaur books) and I’ve seen him sitting quietly several times since he received it, studying each page with a furrowed brow. What happiness! If you have any recommendations of books appropriate for boys ages three to twelve (especially of the Charlotte’s Web and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory level and length), I’d love to hear them! I hope you’re all having a great summer so far! Kate and her husband have six sons ages 12, 10, 9, 7, 5, and 3. Follow her at www.facebook. com/kmtowne23, or email her at kmtowne23@gmail.com.
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Families
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
TODAY
Senior Calendar…
Adult and Senior Center of Saratoga 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-1621 Farmers’ Market Fridays at the Senior Center – 10 - 12 p.m. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Every Friday farmer Cliff Samson will be at the center bringing you fresh quality vegetables grown right in Ballston Spa! Selection will grow as season progresses. FOOD STAMPS ACCEPTED! Sponsored by Centers Health Care
July Special Events… Friday, July 21st. - Casino and Raceway’s Cultural Art Series: Loveletters from Mt. Rushmore 2:00 - FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Join author Richard Cerasani as he presents on his book, “Love Letters from Mount Rushmore.” The story of a Marriage, a Monument, and a Moment in History. The discovery of an old trunk leads to a story of love, opportunity and yearning set during the carving of Mount Rushmore. Sponsored by CDPHP.
Fridays, 11AM-12PM NEW! Saratoga’s Swinging Singing Seniors - Do you like to sing? Join Dottie and the Swinging Singing Seniors, a no experience necessary singing group. For questions call Dottie (518) 583-6639. Tuesday, July 25th, 3PM - Book Club “Re Jane” by Patricia Par Thursday, July 27th, 9-11AM Tarot Card Readings - Get your fortune read by the amazing Mary Shimp! Please sign up. (By donation) Wednesdays, 10AM The Reminiscing Group - FREE! Join friends to share memories about times gone by! Friendly Golf Group - We are starting a friendly golf club this July. Interested? Sign up at front desk. Play will most likely be at Spa State Park golf course - 9 holes. Details coming
One Day Bus Trips
Sept. 6 – Mohonk Friday, July 21st. - Mountain House Music Networking Series: Speed Week - $93 member/nonFriending 1:30 - FREE member $115. Enjoy two AND OPEN TO THE fantastic musical conPUBLIC Like speed dat- certs, breathtaking lake ing, but for friends. This is and garden views and a the perfect opportunity to buffet lunch. step outside your comfort Dec. 6 – NYC - $40 zone and meet someone member/nonmember new in a non-intimidating $65. Come celebrate environment! Christmas in NYC! See the Rockefeller tree, July Happenings… browse holiday windows, Fridays, 10-11AM - Go with get some Christmas shopthe Flow Yoga with Kate, Sub. ping done or see a show! for Susan - July and August
Van Trips Tues, July 25- Lunch Bunch at Lake Local Enjoy lunch on the lake at Lake Local. Pay $2 van fee at sign up, bring money for lunch. Leave the center at 11AM, return around 1PM. Wed., July 26 Adirondack Cruise on Saratoga Lake - Start the day right. Join us aboard the General Schuyler, a 1900’s replica Fantail Launch, on this one-hour cruise on Saratoga Lake. Local coffee or tea will be served on the boat. Leave the center at 10AM, return around 2PM. You may drive yourself to the marina if you would like. Pay $27 at sign up. Bring $5 for souvenir
mug(optional). The boat the center at 8:15, return can accommodate 20 around 3PM. Sign up by July 28. passengers. Thurs., July 27 Shopping and Dining in Bolton Landing (Lake George) - Enjoy shopping and lunch in Bolton Landing! Leave the center at 9:30AM. First stop will be town for shopping and then lunch reservations at 1PM. Return around 3PM. Pay $10 van fee at sign up. Bring money for lunch and shopping. Fri., August 4 - Lake George Youth Theatre Presents: Singing in the Rain - The 1950’s film comes to life at the Lake George Youth Theatre. Lunch at the Log Jam. Pay $20 at sign up. Bring money for lunch. Leave
Wed., August 9 - Lake Theater Holiday Inn Presents: Last of Red Hot Lovers -Middle-aged and happily married, seafood restaurateur Benny Cashman also is overworked and overweight when he suffers a midlife crisis. We follow his attempts through a foulmouthed neurotic, a kooky 20 something actress, and then Jeanette who is married to Benny’s best friend. Pay $67 at sign up. Includes admission, lunch and van fee. Please choose lunch option at sign up. Must sign up by July 24th. Leave center at 10:30. Return around 4pm.
The Wilton Senior Center 18 Traver Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831 (518) 587-6363
Center, the Mall, grocery stores and appointments is available by calling the Saratoga County Office Lillian Worth Senior of the Aging at 518-884Center is in the Town Hall 4100 before noon on the Complex. 18 Traver Road. day before the transporIt is open every Tuesday tation is needed. and Thursday from 9:00am. to 3:00pm. The Center will Activities include: be closed Christmas Day • Ceramics and Crafts and when Saratoga Springs Tuesday morning (except Schools are closed for July and August) inclement weather. Members must be 55 • Free Blood Pressure years of age. However, spouses Clinics Third Tuesday of younger than 55 may join and Month at 1:00 p.m. participate in all activities, but • Business Meetings cannot vote until they reach First Tuesday of the age 55. Dues are $4 per year. Month at 1:00 p.m. Bus transportation to and from the Senior Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am. - 3:00pm.
• Day Trips (dinner + attraction) Monthly April through November (minimal fee) • AARP “55 Alive” March and September • Drivers Course Held twice a year ($10 fee) • Exercise Groups, Cards and other Games Tuesdays and Thursdays • Speakers Scheduled throughout the year • Live entertainment scheduled throughout the year • Videos scheduled throughout the year
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Families
21
TODAY
Saving the Family Lake House for the Next Generation How to Plan for the Future of Your Vacation Home
by Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq.
for Saratoga TODAY Now that summer is upon us, many people are enjoying their lake houses, family cottages, or cabins in the woods. These vacation homes sometimes have been in the family for multiple generations. Proper planning can ensure that your family continues to enjoy your vacation spot for many years to come. Once a vacation home passes to the next generation, difficulties can arise with the challenges of sharing expenses and time at the property. In order to avoid such problems, consider this simple three point plan. Step #1 – Convene a Family Meeting The first step to putting together a succession plan is to gather information from your family regarding their wishes for the property. An excellent time to do this would be during a summer gathering of the family or maybe later in the year during the winter holidays. That meeting should include an honest discussion of the costs associated with maintaining a vacation home. Although your children all might wish to continue to own the property after you pass away, they might not understand the expenses that need to be paid on a regular basis. Property taxes alone on a vacation home worth $300,000 can easily run $9,000/year or $750/month. In addition, there are the costs of insurance, maintenance, and capital improvements. Often vacation homes come with an array of “toys”,
such as boats, jet skis, and other implements of summer fun. Unfortunately, all such amusements come at a price. A frank discussion of these costs may cool the enthusiasm for keeping the vacation home, especially if your children are saving for college expenses or their own retirement. Family budgets can only stretch so far, however, if there are still family members interested in keeping the property – it’s time to move to Step #2. Step #2 – Consider Your Legal Options Assuming there are family members interested in keeping the vacation home, you can consider your legal options for transferring ownership. The basic options for transferring the property after you pass are by Will or by Trust. Whether you use a Will or Trust will depend on a variety of factors that go beyond the issues related to the home itself. Another option would be to not wait until you pass, but to transfer the property while you are still living. Transfers while you are still living are known as “inter vivos” transfers, and include options such as an outright transfer of the property by deed or a deed subject to a reserved life estate interest. The life estate allows you to continue to control the property while living, but upon your death, the property is automatically owned by your family.
An interesting option sometimes utilized with vacation homes is to transfer the home first into a limited liability company (LLC). The operation of the LLC is governed by its Operating Agreement, which sets forth the rules regarding the management of the LLC’s assets. Once the LLC owns the vacation home, LLC membership units can be transferred to family members after your passing or pursuant to an inter vivos transfer. Step #3 – Make a Plan for Your Vacation Home After you have had your family meeting and considered your options, it’s time to put a plan in place. Assuming you have family members interested in receiving your vacation home, you need to decide whether to transfer the property to them now or to wait to transfer it until after your passing. Generally, most people would like to continue ownership of the property until they pass away, but you may decide there are good reasons to transfer the property while you are still living. For example, an inter vivos transfer more than five years before you enter a nursing home would potentially make the vacation home an asset that would not be considered when determining your eligibility for Medicaid. Regardless of whether you transfer the vacation home now
or later, serious consideration should be given to the option of placing it in an LLC first. At the planning stage, you can consider what types of rules would be useful to have in an Operating Agreement. Such rules could include how many weeks each owner gets to use the property, a formula for the sharing of property expenses, and rules for how an owner could sell their interest. With some foresight and planning, you could potentially minimize future disputes by establishing clear, manageable rules for everyone to live by. Step #1 of this process can be handled within the family,
but Steps #2 and #3 should be taken with the guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney. Thoughtful planning now can ensure your vacation home stays happily in your family for many years to come. Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. Over his twenty years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration. Mr. Dorsey can be reached at 518584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw. com, and www.oalaw.com.
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Families
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
TODAY
2017 Mid-Year Economic Outlook
by Stephen Kyne, Partner, Sterling Manor Financial for Saratoga TODAY We’re halfway through 2017, so it’s time to take a look at how the year is progressing, and where we see the remainder of the year going, in terms of risks and opportunities in the economy. The economy has grown at a faster-than-expected pace so far this year. First quarter GDP has been revised up, twice, and well exceeds expectations. Almost all of the S&P has reported earning for its first fiscal quarter of the year, and are trending toward a year-over-year growth of upwards of 20percent (12percent, not
including the energy sector). These are largely due to top line revenue increases, meaning that increased profits are largely due to business growth, rather than cost cutting. We expect this trend to continue throughout the year. Inflation is holding steady, in line with 2016 figures, at roughly 2percent. Some inflation, perhaps counter-intuitively, is fundamentally good for the economy. When we expect goods and services to be more expensive tomorrow than they are today, we make purchases today, which means inventories need to be replenished, which puts people to work and gives them money to spend on the things they want and need. Without some inflation, the economy stagnates. Another driver of spending this year may be interest rates. The Fed increased rates another .25percent in June, as was expected. With the Fed finally making good on promises to increase the rates they charge banks, we’ll see that increase reflected in higher mortgage rates. The expectation of higher future rates pushes fence-sitting potential buyers into the housing market. As
a result we’ve seen, and will likely continue to see, increased sales of new and previously owned homes. The same will likely be true of any purchases which are typically made on credit, including automobiles and business capital items. An asset class that may be hurt by rising interest rates, however, would be bonds – specifically many bond funds. As newly issued bonds carry higher interest rates, the value of previously issued bonds, with relatively lower interest rates, should decrease. These changes should be reflected in the overall value of the funds that hold them. A downside of mutual fund investing is that, even though you may watch your values decrease, any gains the funds may have recognized from any of its holdings would be passed on to you. In other words, depending on timing, you can lose money AND end up paying taxes for the privilege. For the stock markets, 2017 has been a phenomenal year, with indices at or near record highs, in spite of media claims that the current administration would ruin the economy. While it remains to be seen whether the administration will
help the economy, it certainly doesn’t seem to be slowing it down. In the end, expected policy changes and tax reforms, in addition to increased business cycle activity, seem to be the primary drivers of these gains. For the US stock markets, we think 2017 will continue to be a profitable year, with returns easily in the 10percent range, although that bullishness must be qualified as we weigh President Trump’s ability to deliver on his promises to decrease corporate taxes, reduce inhibitive regulation, and reform prohibitive policies. If he is able to work with Congress and deliver, even moderate, reforms, the economy should continue to respond well. Alternatively, if government continues to be mired in gridlock, we expect more of the same slow growth. If Republicans overplay their hand, as Democrats did in 2009, with an undue emphasis on social, rather than economic policy, we would expect the markets to act reflexively. A lot will become more clear as the first year of the administration continues. Internationally, we expect more of the same: countries doing well should continue to do so, those in trouble are unlikely to see much relief. Thanks to victories by moderate, mainstream parties, largely in France, we believe significant stability is returning to the Eurozone. Large economies in the zone are likely to fare better, including the UK, Germany and France, but we still are shy to invest in the smaller, less stable countries, including Greece. With the exception of some
of the smaller Southeast Asian nations, we are not overly optimistic about Emerging Market economies. The situation in many of the Latin American nations continues to erode. Growth in China continues to slow. Russia will be an interesting economy to watch, as relations with the US may change markedly with foreign policy adjustments likely to be made by President Trump. From a fundamental standpoint, we believe the US is the most advantageous place to be invested for growth, although we see increasing pockets of opportunities abroad. If changes promised by the new US administration come to fruition, American companies, their employees, and shareholders stand to be the biggest winners, along with foreign nations whose interests are aligned with the US. That being said, these are forward-looking statement, any number of domestic and international events could drastically alter this outlook. Be sure to work closely with your independent advisor to help ensure your investment strategy accurately reflects your goals and any changes in the economic landscape. Stephen Kyne is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial in Saratoga Springs, and Rhinebeck, NY Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor or Cadaret Grant & Co., Inc. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.
PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
BALLSTON SPA 394 Goode St., $505,000. Thomas and Sandra Lowe sold property to Richard and Natalie Reno. 161 Hopcity Rd., $195,000. Richard and Michele Simpson sold property to Hope Matis. 108 Lancaster Court, $278,746. Traditional Builders LTD sold property to Arthur and Cynthia Benson. 147 Kingsley Rd., $337,500. Alice Sage-Pulver sold property to Pascal and Jaimie Meyer. 1 Saddlebrook Blvd. $423,131. Legacy Custom Homes LLC sold property to Luis and Megan Burgos.
GREENFIELD 63 Locust Grove Rd., $284,000. Aaron and Meghan Mondore sold property to Christopher and Melissa Hall. 28 Hemlock Dr., $245,500. David Hammonds sold property to Matthew Cramer and Jullian Kreppel. 146 North Greenfield Rd., $50,000. Chandler Brothers LLC sold property to Amanda Lampmon. 51 Lake Desolation Rd., $150,000. Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee) sold property to James Desir. 109 Squashville Rd., $8,000. Anastasia Homick sold property to Scott Masse. 264 Daniels Rd., $389,000. Darren and Lisa Tracy sold property to Eric Feder and Cheryl Tracy. 288 Daniels Rd., $338,000. Hayim and Anne Schwartzman sold property to James Adrignola.
MALTA 29 Hillman Loop, $316,175. Farone Amedore LLC sold property to Brian Susko. 19 Glade Mallow Rd., $257,000. Eric and Kerri Jeremias sold property to Kaleigh Ohanlon. 6 Lupine Dr., $328,000. Kurt and Andrea Husselbeck sold property to Robert and Ayemon Bourke. 17 Vettura Ct., $324,900. DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders Inc. sold property to Richard and Marie Floyd.
7 Rosebay Rd., $349,170. Robert and Wendy Matte sold property to Maritza and Andrew Figliozzi. 2 Prospect Ave., $126,229. Timothy Kaye (by Agent) sold property to Bank of America. 10 Little Dr., $575,000. Gerald and Marguerite Oswitt (by Co-Execs) sold property to John McCabe, III. 27 Hillman Loop, $317,675. Farone Amedore LLC sold property to John and Donna Ryan.
MILTON 223 Greenfield Ave., $164,300. Adam and Carrie Baeza sold property to Cory Nowak. 50 Skylark Dr., $270,000. Frank Iacobelli sold property to Jessica Ayotte. 12 Berkshire Dr., $355,000. Lynn Sorrentino sold property to Marc and Randy Treiber. 53 Deer Run, $172,500. Adam and Bethany Jensen sold property to John Humowitz and Latrice Brandon. 565 Victory Circle, $260,000. Phillip and Lisa Rice sold property to Erin Catanzarite. 88 Grove St., $263,400. Alex Danovitch and Lei Bryant sold property to Holly Luciano and Alex Pulling. 205 Emigh Rd., $144,000. Sharon Mahaney sold property to Brian Andrews.
SARATOGA SPRINGS 12 Reservation Ave., $163,000. Richard Nowakowski (by Exec) sold property to Carol Neelis. 36 Sarazen St., $280,000. Ann Meade (as Trustee) sold property to Rololfo and Evangelina Rodriguez. 6 Pamela Lane, $460,239. Blitman Saratoga LLC sold property to Richard and Mary Muniz. 3 Annie Dr., $475,599. Blitman Saratoga LLC sold property to John and Angela Barone. 11 Salem Dr., $375,000. Margaret Evans sold property to Glenn Tamir. 9 Evergreen Dr., $385,000. Justin Ahigian sold property to Lashawnda and Rodell Evans, Jr. 7 Giman Ave., $285,000. Edward Evans sold property to Amanda Schack. 9 Bensonhurst Ave., $270,000. Leona Tortora (by Exec) sold property to Conor Kivlehan. 64 Ludlow St., Unit 101, $182,500. Sixty Four Ludlow Street LLC sold property to Adriana Collins (as Trustee). 38 High Rock Ave., Unit 4N, $1,045,000. Allison Pontius sold property to Madelaine Jersen. 72 Clinton St., $350,000. Joseph Dwyer (by Admin) sold property to Downtown Saratoga Properties II LLC.
484 Maple Ave., $197,000. Jay Rocissono sold property to Cole and Stephanie Donnelly.
32 Hyde St., $234,675. Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee) sold property to ANW Holdings Inc.
31 Whippletree Rd., $200,000. Susanne Ciani sold property to Vladislav and Taisiya Kobzar.
5 Spring St., Unit 401, $498,000. Broadway Spring Corporation sold property to Joshua Waller.
209 Regent St., $299,000. Bridget Bird sold property to 209 Regent Street LLC. 3 Northway Court, $235,000. Helen and Joseph Almeida (Co-Trustees) sold property to Ramirez Benton. 268 Broadway, Unit 312. $1,202,750. 262 Broadway LLC sold property to James and Diana Perella. 97 East Ave., Unit 305. $295,500. Excelsior East LLC sold property to Delma Wood. 20 Leaward Way, $765,000. Angelo and Mary Calbone sold property to Joshua and Aminee Spiegel. 227 Washington St., $1,650,000. 227 Washington LLC sold property to Saratoga Springs Acquisitions LLC.
23 WILTON 18 Donegal Way, $389,000. Nathalie McRoberts (Sole Trustee) sold property to Marie Beitler (as Trustee). Lot 1 Dimmick Rd., $3,500. Gerald and Daniel Salmonson sold property to Philip Viger. 14 Cobble Hill Dr., $483,500. Paul and Susan Brooks sold property to Christian Ruckert and Stephanie Fisher. 18 Deer Run, $530,000. Susan Dodenhoff-Charbonneau sold property to Michelle Marrapodi. 190 Gailor Rd., $595,000. John Rowland and Kathryn Bradley sold property to Christopher and Sarah Quereau.
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LOCAL BRIEFS
Woodcarvers Wanted We are looking for anyone interested in joining us, from beginners to experienced woodcarvers. We have both Men & Women in our group. We meet every Tuesday, 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Rd. in Ballston Spa. There is no charge and we have no teacher but everyone is willing to help you. We carve everything from small boots, birds, walking canes to even a rocking horse. Please contact Neil Scheuerman on Tuesday at the Community Center , 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. phone 518885-6740. Visit the Ballston Area Senior Citizen’s web page: www. ballstonareaseniors.com. A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Winter’s Tale The Saratoga Shakespeare Company will celebrate the romance and magic of both summer and winter with two of Shakespeare’s most exciting works this summer. A Midsummer Night’s Dream opens on Tuesday, July 18 and runs through Saturday, July 29. The Winter’s Tale opens on Tuesday, August 1 and runs through Saturday, August 5. All performances will be in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, on the Alfred Z. Solomon Stage, at 6 p.m. Admission is always free of charge, and Congress Park is entirely accessible. Young and old, as well as family groups are strongly encouraged to attend – with or without picnics – for what has become a beloved summer tradition in Saratoga. Ameranouche Live at Stoney Creek Inn Coming Live, from New Hampshire, the Gypsy Flamenco Swing combo, Amercanouche will be performing on July 28 at Stony Creek Inn, 6 Roaring Branch Rd., Stony Creek at 6 p.m. Featuring two European designed and built acoustic jazz guitars and an upright bass, and is a winner of the “Best of New Hampshire Acoustic Act“ award as well as being veterans of the famed Newport Jazz Festival. This rip-roaring ensemble is a superforce of hot acoustic Gypsy inspired
music, mixing flamenco, bebop, Philly soul, traditional Turkish and jazz swing influences, producing music that is rhythmic, vigorous, passionate and elegant. Dinner reservations are recommended, available by phone 518-696-2394. Free Concert The Saratoga Choral Festival celebrates the exuberance of dance at the National Museum of Dance, located at 99 S. Broadway in Saratoga Springs at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 30. This summer’s performance will be a collaborative project between the museum and the choir to bring in new audiences for both organizations. It celebrates music written to accompany dance. On the program will be excerpts from Brahms Gypsy Songs, a ballet by Monteverdi, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, classical and graceful waltzes to Afro-Cuban cadences and jazzy modern standards. Included will be choral arrangements of popular favorites from the movies and theater such as Singing in the Rain and more. Upstate Conservative Coalition of Saratoga We are a group of like-minded individuals determined to promote traditional conservative valuesin our community and beyond. Join us at our monthly meeting to discuss how we can help promote our conservative policies in local, state and national politics. Check us out at: www.upstateconservatives.org. We meet the first Tuesday of every month (next meeting August 1) at the Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa from 7 – 9 p.m. The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series will be held Mondays, August 7 and August 21 at 6:15 p.m. at Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. The races are open to all and registration is $5 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and the Saratoga Spa State Park. Refreshments and raffle prizes afterwards. Grand prizes will be awarded for best times for all 5 events, continual improvement and most family members. For more information visit ww.saratogastryders.org or email laura@saratogastryders.org .
Yankee Game Bus Trip Notre Dame Visitation Church Renovation Committee is hosting a Yankee Game Bus Trip on Saturday, August 12. It will be Yankees vs Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Cost is $130 per person which includes unlimited food and Pepsi products from 1st inning through 5th inning of game. Bus will leave Wilton Mall at 11 a.m. Tickets on sale now, first come, first serve. Tickets are nonrefundable. Game time is 4 p.m. Contact Pete Healy at 518-421-2956. The Health, History, and Horses Charity Gala The Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate request the pleasure of your company at our Gala to support our community charity programs. The Gala will be held on Thursday, August 17 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Longfellow’s Restaurant located at 500 Union Ave. in Saratoga Springs. There will be live music, complimentary beer and wine the first hour, hot and cold food stations and cash bar reception. There will be a silent auction and 4 Seasons Basket Raffle. Tickets are $70 per person. Please RSVP by August 5 to Carol Leone, 19 Alydar Court, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 or call 518-584-7496. BSBPA Seeks Property Beautification Nominations The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association is requesting nominations for its 2017 Property Beautification Awards in Ballston Spa. The awards are given in recognition of the restoration, renovation, new build, and beautification efforts by homeowners and businesses, which have enhanced the Ballston Spa area . For criteria details and online nomination form visit www. ballston.org. Printed forms will also be available at the Village of Ballston Spa Office, 66 Front Street and should be mailed to: 2017 Beautification Awards, c/o BSBPA, PO Box 386, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. All nominations should be made by September 8, 2017. Bus Tour to New York Botanical Gardens A bus tour to the New York Botanical Gardens on September 15 is open to the public. The tour is sponsored by District IV of the Federated Garden Clubs of NYS (FGCNYS). The highlight of the visit will be twenty breathtaking works of glass art by Dale Chihuly
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017 on display throughout the gardens. The cost of the tour includes transportation, admission to the gardens, and dinner in Kingston on the way back. Buses leave from Queensbury and Wilton. The price is $94 for members of the FGCNYS; $99 for non-members. For more information, contact bmillington@ msn.com or call 518-587-3085. Taste of Showcase A special “Taste of Showcase” preview is scheduled for Friday, September 15 from 5 – 10 p.m. featuring food samplings from area chefs along with local beer and wine tastings. A limited number of tickets for this evening will be available and more information about this event regarding location and ticket prices will be announced at a later date. Bus Trip to the Bronx Zoo Notre Dame Visitation Church is sponsoring a bus trip to the Bronx Zoo on Saturday, September 16. Bus leaves Wilton Mall 6 a.m. and returns approximately 8:30 p.m. Adults cost $75 and children ages 12 & under cost $65. To reserve your tickets, please contact Anne Cadwallader at 518-695-6787 or Darlene Bolduc 518-695-6743. This is a fundraiser for the Church renovation. The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Celebrating 22 years of exceptional homes, this annual fall tradition will once again run over three beautiful weekends this September 16-17, 23-24 and 30-October 1. This year will have a total of 17 new home locations on display in Saratoga County. Tickets to visit all these homes will still only be $20. For more information visit www. SaratogaBuilders.org. Feast of the Fields 2017 This year Feast will be held Thursday, September 21 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Saratoga National Golf Club. It promises to be a fun-filled, delicious evening featuring top chefs preparing small plates from fresh ingredients harvested by local farms, along with enticing products and drinks from local producers. Our theme this year is a classic fall staple–squash. For more information visit our website http://www.saratogaplan. org/whats-new/upcomingevents/feast-of-the-fields/.
Volunteers Needed We need volunteers for all shifts in our food pantry and we need 1(or 2) volunteers willing to help us with our free produce days. Produce Day Dates are 7/12, 7/26; 8/16, 8/30; 9/6, 9/20; 10/4, 10/18. If you can help or want to learn more about our opportunities please contact Julie julie@franklincommunitycenter /518- 587-9826 x 224. Bright, Sunny Volunteers Needed for Store of Same Disposition The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Saratoga County is looking for volunteers for ReBuilding Together of Saratoga County to work in their new store front in Ballston Spa. Store volunteers are needed to work in 3-hour shifts answering phones and greeting customers. Call Jen Buscema at 518-884-4110 for additional information and to see if this volunteer opportunity is the right one for you. A Caring Friend Can Help You Do you feel like your days would be more pleasant if you had a friendly visit from someone who cares? Are the hours in the day endless because you have no way to get out? Care Links’ volunteers welcome the opportunity to lend a hand to help with grocery shopping or pay you a visit to help pass the time. They can do simple chores as well. Drivers will get you to your appointments. Everyone in this program enjoys contributing to make your life easier. Call 518-399-3262 to find out how the free services are there for you. If You Can Stand the Heat Become a Kitchen Helper for The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Saratoga County’s Office for the Aging. If you are over the age of 55, love working with seniors, and enjoy prepping and serving food, then this unique volunteer opportunity is for you. Kitchen Helpers assist with meal preparation and serving for the Senior Nutrition Program in locations throughout Saratoga County. Training is provided, hours are flexible, and volunteers can assist Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Please contact Jen Buscema at 518-8844110 if you are interested in lending a helping hand.
Send your local briefs to calendar@saratogapublishing.com two weeks prior to the event.
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017 refuses to move. Will Petra be able to find Effie’s bell before it’s too late? With charming illustrations, this whimsical story is sure to delight children and adults alike. For more information and other events visit www.northshire.com.
Family Friendly Event
Friday, July 21 Decoda - Skidmore Chamber Music Student Interactive Performance Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs 9 – 10:30 a.m. This interactive performance is designed for young children. The Decoda & Skidmore Chamber Music Institute is sponsored, in part, by the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation. Free admission.
Guided Walking Tours – History, Legends, Lore and More Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10:30 a.m. This tour celebrates Saratoga’s Victorian era and the classic Victorian stroll, a high society must to see and be seen. Join us as we stroll through Congress Park, take the waters and hear the stories of our most colorful characters, beloved monuments and treasured artwork. Tours will run Monday through Saturday through September 4 (September 9 – October 2 tours will be Saturday only). The cost is $8.00 per person, children under 12 are FREE. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at 518-587-3241.
Heather Preusser “A Symphony of Cowbells” Northshire Booksore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a special story time with picture book author Heather Preusser, as she shares her new book “A Symphony of Cowbells.” Petra just loves spring in Gimmelwald. Each season she and her family lead their prize dairy cows into the pastures to graze and each cow wears her own jin-gling, jangling, clanging bell. What a symphony! But when Petra’s favorite cow, Effie, loses her bell the whole herd is out of harmony and
Saratoga Race Track Opening Day 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. Get ready for another thrilling season of racing in Saratoga Springs.
Saturday, July 22 Tang Family Saturdays Tang Teaching Museum, Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Noon – 4 p.m. Wackey Wagons - we will look at and discuss Phil Frost’s sculpture of a wagon in the exhibition: If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day: Collections of Claude Simard, then make wagons out of cardboard, markers, spools, and even use wite-out as paint, just as Phil Frost did on his. Reserva-tions are highly encouraged. Free and open to the public. Suitable for children ages 5 and up along with their adult companions, the Family Saturday programs are fun and educational. For more in-formation call 518-5808080.
11th Annual Wine, Beer, Hard Cider and Food Tasting Schuyler Yacht Basin, 4 – 7 p.m. This popular event features a variety of local wines, beers and hard ciders, as well the wares of more than 20 local eateries. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Schuylerville Lions Club. All of the proceeds raised each year go directly back into the community, supporting local schools, camp scholarships, fire and rescue squads, the local food pantry (SAFER), and families in need of eyeglasses, hearing aids and other support - in addition to helping local organizations such as Camp Abilities of Saratoga and Hudson Crossing Park. The cost for this event is $25 per per-son at the gate/ door. For more information, call Tara LaFave at 518-695-3040.
Selected Shorts Arthur Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7:30 p.m. Selected Shorts will be performed live as part of Skidmore College’s
Stewart’s Signature Series. The stories are described as “spellbinding short stories by established and emerging writers which take on a new life when they are performed by stars of the stage and screen.”
Sunday, July 23 26 Annual Hat Contest Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs The “crowning” achievement of opening weekend, visitors will go head-to-head for prizes in the annual Hat Contest. Categories will include one designated for children, one for the most fashiona-ble millinery and one for the most creative headwear. The contests will take place after the second, third and fourth races of the afternoon. Prizes are provided by Hatsational by DEI.
Dharma Meditation with Pierre Zimmerman One Big Roof, Center for Mindful Practices, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building, Saratoga Springs, 9-10:15 a.m. Weekly meditation followed by short discussion. All contemplative traditions honored. By dona-tion. For more information call 413-9927012 or visit www.oneroofsaratoga. com.
Vacation Bible School South Glens Falls United Methodist Church 15 Maplewood Parkway, in South Glens Falls. 6 – 8 p.m. We will have a Beach Party theme this year . The bible school will be held from Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27 4 year olds through 5th grade are welcome. We hope to see you and bring a friend.
Summer Concert Series Congress Park, Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 8:30 p.m.. Gather your friends and family and join us for this free summer concert series. Concerts will hap-pen on Sunday evenings in July and Tuesday evenings in August. Performances take place at the War Memorial, Rain location: Heritage Area Visitor Center. This week’s performance is by Hot Club of Saratoga.
Monday, July 24 Fifth Annual Hay, Oats and Spaghetti Bravo! Restaurant, 3246 Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs, from 6 - 9 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Saratoga
Springs-based TRF, a 501 (c)(3) non -profit that is the world’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred rescue organization. Its signature program is TRF Second Chances, which uses ex-racehorses to teach life and vocational skills to inmates in prisons in 9 different states. Tickets for “Hay, Oats & Spaghetti” are $85 and reserved seating is available. Ticket prices include beer, wine and a sumptuous Italian buffet that will be served from 6 p.m. -.9 p.m. Additionally, there will be a raffle of select signature items. Renowned local photographer Skip Dickstein will be on site to photograph the evening’s events. For more details or to reserve tickets please call 518-226-0028 or visit http://www.trfinc.org/event/ hayoats2017/
The Camp Saratoga 5K Trail Series Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort, 6:15 p.m. The races are open to all and registration is $5 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and the Saratoga Spa State Park. Refreshments and raffle prizes afterward. Grand prizes will be awarded for best times for all 5 events, continual improvement and most family members. For more information visit ww.saratogastryders.org or email laura@saratogastryders.org .
Tuesday, July 25 Once Upon a Porch The Childrens’ Museum at Saratoga, 69 |Caroline St., Saratoga Springs, 1 p.m. For children 2-5 years old. Join us for an afternoon of storytelling while sitting on our beautiful porch. Free with museum admission.
Wednesday, July 26 Malta Summer Concert Series Shenantaha Creek Park, Malta 6 – 8 p.m. The Zucchini Brothers will be performing. Often called “The Beatles of Kids’ Music, the three za-ny brothers offer a musical of stir-fry styles to tap your feet to. Contact 518-899-4411 or www. MaltaParksRec.com for further details.
Thursday, July 27 Ceremony and Luncheon to Commemorate the End of the Korean War Korean War Memorial, Crandall Park, Glens Falls, 11 a.m. Immediately following the short ceremony, the luncheon will be held at the Ambrosia Restau-rant, just off Exit 19 of the Northway. Hosts will be Gene and Patti Slavin. For reservations, please call the Slavins at 518-793-2358 by July 25. All servicemen who served anywhere during the Korean War or in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, relatives and friends are welcome to attend. New members are always welcome. For further information or for an application to join the organization, please contact Comm. Roger Calkins at 518-584-3037.
Free Concert in the Park Wiswall Park, Front St., Ballston Spa, 6 – 8 p.m. The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association is proud to once again present its free Concerts in the Park series. This week’s featured concert is The Bluebillies.
The Queen of Katwe Movie Event Spa Little Theater (19 Roosevelt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 10:30 p.m. ”The Queen of Katwe”, a 2015 film, tells the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, an impoverished young girl from Uganda. Phiona and her brother crossed paths with Robert Katende, who recog-nized that the slum kids he worked with weren’t going to compete in sports. He decided to teach them chess – a game that equalizes issues of class, education and income and transcends language. Soon, Katende realized Phiona had a very special gift, when she began to beat him. The event in-cludes the film, chess for kids and adults, and information about the Giving Circle’s important pro-gram. Robert Katende, Chess Coach that the film is based on, to Skype in for discussion. Pro-ceeds of the event will fund the maintenance and expansion of their Chess program in Uganda, benefiting many young children, from early school age to high school.
Send Send your your calendar local briefs events to to calendar@saratogapublishing.com calendar@saratogapublishing.com two two weeks weeks prior prior to to thethe event. event.
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
A Conversation with The Legendary Tommy Roberts
by Joe Raucci for Saratoga TODAY Meeting Tommy Roberts is like popping open a bottle of the finest champagne. Here is a man of so many accomplishments. A radio/television pioneer who has a richly deserved place in The Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame. An innovator who was instrumental in putting New Jersey horse racing on the map during the sport’s greatest era. And how about this one: Vice President and general manager of Hialeah Park at a time when it was the Taj Mahal of American racetracks. Named best dressed sports figure of the year in 1969 at the expense of his friend, none other than Broadway Joe Namath and succeeding another gridiron legend Frank Gifford, and so much more. He was called “The voice of horse racing”. His call of Secretariat’s Triple Crown was heard by over 800 radio stations across the country as part of the Mutual Network’s “Race of the Week.” Tommy’s quick wit, personality and work ethic have taken him on a magic carpet ride. He just turned eighty-nine and shot a ninety-two this morning at Saratoga National. The setting is his beautiful summer home overlooking Lake Lonely. He has another appointment later this afternoon. So, let’s get started. The words are Tommy’s Pure poetry. Q: How did you get involved with thoroughbred horse racing. A: I came back from the Korean War. For public relations, the Commandant of Fort Dix came to my home town of Camden New Jersey to present a medal to me at the Mayor’s office. This led to an offer by the Mayor to obtain a
Tommy putting the Charm on Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hope.
political appointment for a temporary job at Garden State Park Racetrack. I took it and that is how it all began. Q: You worked for Amory Haskell, owner and founder of beautiful Monmouth Park. The one million-dollar Haskell Invitational is named in his honor. Anything to share with us about Haskell? A: I was radio/television publicity director at Monmouth in 1958. A new title that I pioneered. The track had a 2:30 post time, which I thought was a bit late for the average blue-collar horse player from Asbury Park to attend the races. At a meeting with the track hierarchy I brought this up with a strong case for an earlier post. A few days later Mr. Haskell, a blue blood to his core stated that he had been made aware of my idea. He told us that he timed how long it took for him to play a round of golf, have lunch and get to the track, and he stated that there was no way anyone could be at the track earlier than 2:30! Eventually the post did change to an earlier time. Q: I see many photos here of you with Eddie Arcaro, the greatest Jockey to ever grace the American Turf. Your thoughts on him. A: For the last twenty years of his life I was one of Eddie’s closest friends. We did everything together. We played golf almost every day and had countless dinners together. He was outspoken and intelligent.
They called him “The Master.” I loved him. During the running of a race, he could within a fifth of a second know how fast they were going and how fast he needed to go to win the race. In horse racing terms “He had a clock in his head.” Q: You have rubbed shoulders with so many famous people. Does anyone come to mind that you would like to reminisce about? A: President Harry Truman spent a day at Hialeah Park in 1960. I had the honor of spending six hours with him that afternoon. On the NBC -TV national telecast which I hosted he relayed this story to me about his first visit to a racetrack. When he was eighteen he made his way to Cahokia Downs, a bush league racetrack near St Louis, Missouri. It was raining and the track was muddy. The young Truman listened to a tip he was given in one of the races Give’em hell Harry made a fivedollar wager on the twenty-five to one long shot. The horse won and President Truman stated: “I’ve loved horse racing ever since.” Q: What is achievement?
your
greatest
A: In 1984, I was given an unrestricted gaming license in Nevada. It eventually changed the face of horse racing worldwide. I started simulcast as we know it. My company Roberts Television International owned the simulcast rights to thirty racetracks, which I then sold to every casino in the state of Nevada and then to every racing venue in this country. When
Interviewing President Truman at Hialeah
my son Todd joined the company in 1985, we changed the name to Roberts Communication Network. Simulcasting is now responsible for eighty five percent of the horse racing wagering dollar. Q: You have owned racehorses for many years. Any comment on that? A: They all became great friends of mine. And frankly quite a drain on my bankroll. Though I must say it sure has been fun owning and running them. There is no greater thrill then seeing one win. Q: I know that the great television personality and newspaper columnist Ed Sullivan was your dear friend. Some thoughts... A: Many thought that Ed had a sour personality. The opposite was true of him. He was a gentleman, congenial with anyone he met, glad to sign autographs and ask to hear a bit about the seeker. In the mid1960s I was named Man of The Year by the nation’s oldest press club, Philadelphia’s Poor Richard’s Club. Ed made a special unannounced trip from New York City along with actress Celeste Holm and comedian Sam Levinson to be a part of it. I will never forget that. Q: You have led a storybook life. Do you have any regrets? A: Two immediately come to mind. For ten years from 1955 to 1965, I did basketball play by play for the big five college powerhouses of the Philadelphia area and the NBA Warriors and then the 76ers. In
March of 1962 the immortal Wilt Chamberlin put on the greatest single performance in pro sports history with an astounding one-hundredpoint explosion against the New York Knicks in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Prior to this my boss at CBS Radio had asked me to cut some of the NBA games in favor of some Philadelphia Phillies spring training contests. The first I picked was the game with the Knicks in Hershey. I had reasoned that the lowly Knicks, twentytwo games out of first place and the game being played in Hershey, a sixhour round trip drive from Philly, made it a no brainer. We were playing the Knicks in Madison Square Garden the Saturday night after that Thursday. Incidentally a game that I did call, and Wilt scored fifty-eight points that night. Since we had opted out of the one-hundred-point game there is no known play by play recording of this historic event. It would have been an historic call...but that’s not nearly as bad as the great chance I had years later, and didn’t take. Q: Can you tell us about that? A: I had just finished producing “Barbados Holiday,” with Dick Van Patten after the end of his hit series, “Eight Is Enough”. It was in October of 1981. He asked me to come to L.A. where he planned to plug our special on The Merv Griffin show. I flew out and was invited to Merv’s home. When I arrived, there was quite an array of Hollywood in attendance that had just finished playing tennis. They Continued on page 28.
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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First giveaway Sunday, July 23.
Saratoga TODAY Newspaper’s Guide to the 2016 Racing Season at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Sets the Pieces in Motion
by Brendan O’Meara for Saratoga TODAY T’was the night before ‘’Toga, and all through the (club)house, not a creature was… No, won’t go there, but you get the idea. It’s that special time of year when childrens’ smiles seem brighter, food tastes better and domestic nagging sounds like Beethoven’s Ninth. Once the dust settles from the Triple Crown, the pieces on the board start moving in all these interesting directions. Saratoga represents the middle of the calendar year, give or take a summer week or two. From the top of Mount Saratoga, a horse, a trainer of horses, an owner of horses, a jockey of horses, a horseplayer of horses, can see, out in the distance, Sauron’s eye of the Breeders’ Cup. All roads funnel to Del Mar this year, and this is the time to start looking out at to that beacon less than four months away. Saratoga, Del Mar, and to a lesser extent Monmouth, play major roles in setting that table on the first weekend in November. The major questions are how will the 3-year-olds continue to develop? Will the precocious Triple Crown series winners plateau, or will they move forward into racing maturity to supplant the tenured older horses? Will those older horses remain sound
and happy? Will Arrogate (speaking of late-developing 3-yearold of yesteryear) grow bored and tired? Will he grow, ahem, arrogant? With no disrespect doled out to the 2-year-olds running this weekend at Saratoga or the monstrous grass horses, the real brass starts the second weekend of Saratoga where we see the Jim Dandy and Curlin Stakes. Also, the Haskell at Monmouth Park. Ball parking here, but with an average field of, say, 10 horses in the Curlin, Jim Dandy and Haskell, that makes about 30 horses vying for the 148th Travers Stakes with a max field of 14 for the Mid-Summer Derby. Already the Jim Dandy will highlight a rematch between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners, Always Dreaming and Cloud Computing, a classic Todd Pletcher v. Chad Brown matchup. Always Dreaming recently whipped through five-eighths in 1:01 and change, which made Pletcher say, “I thought he went great. He was nice and relaxed with a steady progression and good gallop out. He’s rounding back to top form, and we’re still on target for the Jim Dandy.” Cloud Computing, down at Belmont Park, worked a half-mile in 48.29 for Brown, a tune up after he went a bit quick in a previous drill, but a sign that the horse is keyed up and ready for his first start since winning the Preakness from off the pace. “He’s so competitive that he pulled the rider there,” Brown told TDN. “It caused the work to be a little faster than I wanted but, then again, it seemed like he was moving very easily.” With Arrogate staying on the West Coast in preparations for the San Diego Handicap, Pacific Classic and, of course,
the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Gun Runner takes aim (sorry) at the Grade I Whitney Invitational, as perhaps Arrogate’s chief North American rival. “He’s a very impressive horse who continues to do well,” Asmussen said in a release. “He’s trained phenomenal all year, he really has. I’m very excited about the Whitney here. It should be a very competitive race against some excellent horses on a great stage. It’s a great opportunity for him.” The eventual collision between Gun Runner and Arrogate could be the equivalent of LeBron James dunking
over a fifth grader, but the anticipation is where the fun lies. Arrogate has an unbeatable quality to him. If ever there was a race for him to lose it was the Dubai World Cup where he spotted the field a pole after the first 100 meters and by the end the race caller asked, “Have we seen the anointing of the Man o’War of the 21st Century?” It’s not hyperbolic at this point to ask that question. He runs 10 furlongs like it’s a mile gallop. You know, and this is probably the topic of another column, but I’ll plant the seed here, if it wasn’t for American Pharoah
winning the Triple Crown and the “Grand Slam” in 2015, perhaps Arrogate would have caught fire faster. Arrogate emerged from the same barn too soon after Pharoah, who cast too big a shadow. Pharoah had that mass appeal, where Arrogate has more of that Curlin appeal, a hardknockin’ industry star. That’s what we can aim our glasses at from the Mount Saratoga, looking out over the vast expanse of the country to the seaside retreat of Del Mar. The pieces are in place, so now they move, onward, across the summer to the final tilt past the equinox.
28 WINNER’S
A Conversation with The Legendary Tommy Roberts
Opening Weekend Activities at Saratoga Race Course FRIDAY, JULY 21
Continued from page 29.
included Alan Alda, Gene Wilder, Carl Reiner, Ann Bancroft and her husband Mel Brooks, along with others. When everyone was leaving Merv’s ex-wife Julann asked me to stay for dinner to discuss something. While dining with her and her son Tony, she pitched a game show to me that she had run two years before for seven weeks on a local station. Merv would not take it to network TV. I had just failed at selling two game shows that I owned “Strike It Rich” and “The Big Payoff” hosted by the likes of Monte Hall and Ed McMahon. Obviously, I had no interest in pursuing another. On the way out I thanked her for
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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A glimpse of Bill Shoemaker and Bill Hartack surrounding Tommy. Two of the greatest jockeys ever
dinner. Casually, I remarked “What is the name of the show.” She replied “Jeopardy.” That’s the one that I let get away. It is important to note that she, not Merv, created Jeopardy. In closing I would like to thank Tommy for the hospitality
and friendship he has shown during out time together. We could only scratch the surface with the time we had. That being said, never a man to waste time, he has embarked on his latest project. He is writing a book on his extraordinary life. Stay tuned.
Opening Day: The 2017 season at Saratoga Race Course gets underway with gates opening at 11 a.m. Opening Day will kick off with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies and the Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George for 3-year-old turf fillies. First race post time is 1 p.m. Grandstand admission is $5 and clubhouse admission is $8. NYRA XP: Opening Day will feature the Saratoga debut of NYRA XP, a new app that will enable fans to personalize and navigate their on-track experience through their mobile device. Fans who download NYRA XP will be able to learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, find their seat location, bet through NYRA Bets, live stream races and customize their viewing experience from various camera locations, conduct wayfinding activities and, later in the meet, order food from on-track concessions and purchase reserved parking. Saratoga Family Zone: Guests in attendance for Opening Weekend will be treated to the new Saratoga Family Zone, offering families a smoke- and alcohol-free interactive play area
near the Reserved Seats Box Office. New features of the Saratoga Family Zone include an oval multi-lane running track surrounding the playscape, a miniature replica starting gate, a “selfie” photo station, spring horses, and educational panels designed to teach children about the life of a race horse. Breakfast at Saratoga, presented by B95.5 FM Breakfast Club: Fans are invited to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the clubhouse while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. The morning buffet is $18.50 for adults and $10.25 for kids. 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 first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Breakfast and tours are available daily, except Travers Day, Saturday, August 26. Taste NY: Craft Beer: Opening Day welcomes the return of the highly popular Taste NY: Craft Beer event, which offers guests a selection of New York craft beers available for sampling each Friday in partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m. Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post: Racing fans are invited to continue their day at Saratoga with Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment sport located adjacent to the paddock. Each Friday of the meet will feature a DJ and dancing, cocktail samplings and trivia at The Post following the day’s final race Community Outreach Booth: The New York Racing Association will host Rerun Thoroughbred Adoption, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating a happy life for thoroughbred horses that no longer compete at the race track. Spa Mirbeau will offer chair and hand massage services on the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of service fees, all guest contributions will be donated to Rerun Thoroughbred Adoption. Continued on next page.
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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Opening Weekend Activities NYRA to Honor Service Continued from last page.
SATURDAY, JULY 22 Diana and Sanford: Saturday’s highlights include the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford for 2-year-olds and the first Grade 1 of the meet, the $500,000 Diana for turf fillies and mares. Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Opening weekend will feature the Saturday debut of Taste NY: Food and Artisans, a lively on-track market where guests can sample and shop food and crafts in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will for the first time expand to two days, having previously been held only on Sundays. The market will be held each Saturday and Sunday of the 2017 meet. The events will be complemented by handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the Bets Squad, as well as the opportunity to learn more about NYRA Bets and NYRA XP. Ketel One Party at The Post: The fun will continue each Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post. Saturday evenings at Saratoga will feature music from a DJ following the day’s final race, cocktail samplings and giveaways. Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host The Wesley Community, a 36-acre not-for-profit agency in Saratoga Springs which serves the needs of seniors, adults and pediatrics.
SUNDAY, JULY 23 Coaching Club American Oaks: Sunday will feature the Grade 1, $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Saratoga Baseball Cap Giveaway: Fans will have the opportunity to take home the first premium giveaway of the 2017 season: a red and white Saratoga baseball cap, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item on the day of the giveaway contingent on the following: Season pass or season ticket plan holders must be in attendance at Saratoga Race Course, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines and redeem the giveaway by 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public. 26th annual Saratoga Hat Contest, presented by Hat Sationa! by DEI: Hundreds of contestants will don creative and fashionable headwear to compete in a staple of opening weekend at Saratoga Race Course. Participants are invited to compete in three distinct categories: Uniquely Saratoga; Fashionably Saratoga; and Kreative Kids. Registration for the Hat Contest will begin at noon under the grandstand. The competition will take place after the second, third and fourth races on the track apron for the
chance to win a variety of prizes provided by Hat Sationa! by DEI. Taste NY: Food and Artisans: The Sunday edition of the market will welcome guests to the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, which serves the needs of and advocates for homeless military veterans through support services. MONDAY, JULY 24 Berkshire Bank Family Mondays: Monday will be highlighted by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge, with the exception of one designated activity which carries a suggested donation to benefit a local school or PTA. The beneficiary of the first Monday of the season is Brown School in Schenectady. Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Saratoga Regional YMCA, which is committed to promoting physical fitness in the community, and providing youth, teen and childcare programs.
Members and Veterans
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will pay tribute to the nation’s service members and veterans during Military AppreciationDay at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 26. The day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States military service members and veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Additionally, NYRA will welcome local service members and veterans to the winner’s circle before numerous races on the day’s card. The service members will represent the sacrifices of those who have defended the United States from World War II through the present era. Several generations of veterans and service members will gather in the winner’s circle for the day’s third race named in honor of Military Appreciation Day. “The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States military,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “I am often asked which day it is that I look
forward to the most at Saratoga. Without hesitation, it is this day in which we honor and thank those who have given so much to preserve and protect our nation and our freedom.” Performers from the USO Show Troupe, an American tradition that entertains approximately 600,000 service members and their families annually worldwide, will greet guests with patriotic songs as they arrive at the Clubhouse entrance beginning at 11:15 a.m. Local acapella group Racing City Chorus will greet guests at the Union Avenue gates. Additionally, a U.S. Marine Corps F-150 vehicle will be positioned outside the Clubhouse gates throughout the afternoon. NYRA will pay tribute to its service member and veteran employees with a special ceremony in the winner’s circle during the National Anthem, which will be performed by the Racing City Chorus at approximately 11:35 a.m. The National Anthem will be accompanied by a Presentation of Colors from cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
30 WINNER’S
by Louisa Foye for Saratoga TODAY After 10+ months of yearning for the thrill of another Opening Day, it is now here, and for those of us who perennially and eagerly anticipate this special occasion, we are like little kids on Christmas Eve! ‘Though it may be hard to top the star power of the past 2 seasons, following the 2015 appearance by reigning Triple Crown Champion, American Pharoah, and the breakout performances last year by 3-yearold champion filly Songbird, in the Coaching Club American Oaks and the Alabama, and by Arrogate, with his jaw-dropping, record breaking, coming out party in the Travers, we
will still be blessed, as always, to see an array of great horses and races throughout the 2017 Meet! Saratoga has always been known as “The August Place to Be”, but it is also known as the playground for well-bred 2-year-old babies, many of whom will be making their debut on the hallowed grounds of the Spa. The plethora of babies, particularly in Todd Pletcher’s barn, can create a mixed bag of feelings, ranging from the delight of many fans, or much to the chagrin of hardcore horseplayers, who shudder at these high-priced babies’ penchant for unpredictability, and hence, for these bettors’ heartburn! We can, however, be very excited to welcome the trio of this year’s Triple Crown Race winners, Always Dreaming, Cloud Computing and Tapwrit, as we certainly have very much to be proud of with these New York-based runners, and their connections! Pletcher recently announced that Tapwrit will train up to the Travers, but his Kentucky Derby champion, Always Dreaming, and Chad Brown’s lightly raced Preakness winner, Cloud Computing, are set to go in what will be a dandy of a Jim Dandy on July 29th. The now annual battle for training supremacy between Todd and Chad will quickly be stepped up another notch early in the Jim Dandy, and will remain
CIRCLE
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Weezie at the Flagpole: intense the entire Meet, as these top two Trainers possess formidable, and seemingly endless rosters of talent, and an embarrassment of riches, in their insanely deep barns. The amazing Arrogate will predictably stay in Cali this Summer, first racing opening weekend of Delmar this Saturday, in the San Diego Handicap, in what will virtually be a paid workout, before the TVG Pacific Classic on August 19th. ‘Though we’ll be sad that we can’t witness his greatness here again this August, we should remain thankful for having been able to see his remarkable Travers last year! It was inevitable that Bob Baffert would keep his talented charge at home to prep at Delmar, where the Breeders Cup will take place, November 3rd & 4th, where “The Surf Meets the Turf”. There is still a flicker of hope, however, that Rick Porter’s beautiful Songbird will return to the Spa. After her surprisingly difficult victory in the Delaware Handicap this past Saturday, over the game long shot, Martini Glass, Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer did state post-race that “Saratoga is definitely a target”. However, the chances seem
slim to me, because no matter how much I’d love to see her race in the Personal Ensign, now on the Travers card, she appeared to be a very tired gal coming out of her recent win, and I’m not sure that the usually great sportsman in Rick Porter will want to risk another trip east. It is evident that she’s not thrilled with the type of hot and humid conditions she experienced in Delaware, and there’s a very real possibility that she could face the same here. We shall see! If someone were to ask me who I’d most like to see race at the Spa, the sublime Lady Aurelia would be at the top of my list, but it’s apparent that her Stonestreet connections and Trainer, Wesley Ward, are content to let her stay put across the pond. After her breathtaking win over older males in the Group 1 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, with Johnny Velazquez aboard, she is next scheduled to appear in the Coolmore Nunthorpe at York on August 25th. But just because I can only dream about seeing this “LadyKiller” race here, doesn’t mean that I’m not chomping at the bit for the chance to see many other fine horses! Starting this Saturday with
The Diana, we will be able to see the gutsy Lady Eli, one of my very favorites of late. Following her well documented bout with the often-fatal laminitis, she has courageously and amazingly returned to the track, and we should all be cheering this brave Lady home to victory for Chad Brown and Arad Ortiz! She will be challenged by her stablemate, Antonoe, who looked impressive winning the Just a Game. New York-bred Horse of the Year, Mind Your Biscuits, is another one I’m anxious to see race, after his victories in the Group 1 Golden Shaheen in Dubai, and the Grade 2 Belmont Sprint, with Joel Rosario aboard for Trainer Chad Summers, on the Stars and Stripes Day card, July 8th. He’s next being targeted to race in The Forego on the Travers card. Another sprinter I can’t wait to see run is Disco Partner, the 5-year-old, New Yorkbred, budding turf star, trained by Christophe Clement. After setting a world record in the 6 furlongs, Grade 3 Jaipur at Big Sandy on Belmont Day, Disco Partner stretched out to a mile for the first time in his career last Saturday in the Forbidden Apple, for his 3rd consecutive win of the year. It is likely he will next run in the Fourstardave on August 12th, in the 2-turn mile, with Irad Ortiz aboard. Other horses we should look out for this meet are Practical Joke, last year’s Juvi winner of The Hopeful and The Champagne, who recently rebounded to win again for Chad and Joel Rosario, in the Mile, Grade 3 Dwyer, on a loaded Stars and Stripes Day Festival card, and Oscar Performance, who gave Jose Ortiz his 1st Breeders Cup victory in the Juvi Turf, who won the Grade 1 Belmont Derby at a mile and a 1/4, also on the Stars and Stripes card. Jose picked up another big win that day, when he rode Keen Ice, the notorious American Pharoahkiller, to an upset victory in the Grade 2 Suburban, over favored Shaman Ghost. I also hope we get a chance to see New Money Honey, the Breeders Cup Juvi Filly Turf star, race at the Spa, following her recent victory, going a mile and a 1/4 for the first time, in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks, under Javi Castellano, on that same card. Trainer Chad Brown pulled off a rare feat in The Oaks, when his trio
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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Opening Day! of fillies gave him a sweep, including first time Euros, the Irish-bred Sistercharlie who placed, and the British-bred Uni, who showed. One of the most popular races of the year for the fans is the human race for the much-coveted Angel Cordero Award, given to the Leading Jockey. Although Angel’s longtime client and protege, Hall of Famer, fan favorite, and all around great guy, Johnny Velazquez, recently won the ESPY Award for Jockey of the Year (the fans always vote for whichever Jock wins the Kentucky Derby!), and Javi Castellano won his record 4th consecutive Eclipse Award at Gulfstream in January, there is no doubt about the fact that their young counterparts, the Ortiz Bros, continue to dominate New York racing! After big bro “Juni” captured the Saratoga title in 2015, following his first Breeders Cup victory aboard his beloved Lady Eli in 2014, and then his first Triple Crown Race victory with Creator in the 2016 Belmont, lil’ bro Jose followed suit, garnering the Saratoga title last year, then getting his first Breeders Cup victory aboard Oscar Performance in the Fall, and then gave his and Juni’s proud parents, Vilma and Irad, Sr., back-to-back Belmont victories, too, with Tapwrit! It is truly a family affair, and what a breakout year it has been for Jose! As if his excellence on the track weren’t enough, he married his longtime love, fellow Jockey, Taylor Rice (niece of 2009 Saratoga Leading Trainer, Linda Rice, and Granddaughter of the recently late, great horseman, Clyde Rice), late last year down in her home state of Florida, and then a couple of days after celebrating Father’s Day, they gave birth to their first child, beautiful baby girl Leilani, who most definitely has been blessed with fine genes! To say Jose is on a roll would be an understatement, following his Belmont victory on Tapwrit, then his $1.2 million victory in the Belmont Derby on Oscar Performance (that paid a generous $13 to win), and finally his $750K Suburban win on Keen Ice (which paid $12, also a rare price for one of his winners, which are often faves!). However, with his big bro right on his tail ‘til the last races on Sunday at Big Sandy for the Jockey Title, only separated by a few races, I know that Juni is rearing to go, and ready to take back the Saratoga title! But don’t
count out veterans Johnny, Javi and Joel, or the Ortiz bros’ close friend and fellow Puerto Rican rider, the young Manny Franco, who is also under the watchful eye of their idol and mentor, Angel Cordero, along with Eric Cancel. And last but far from least, and of local interest, will be the arrival of young Florida star, Tyler Gaffalione! The 3rd generation Jockey, who has made great inroads with the likes of Pletcher, Brown and Christophe Clement, has been in the fine hands of his new Agent, Saratoga native, Matt Muzikar, who took over his book at the start of the year. Matt, who very adeptly handled the book of Javi Castellano during his recent 4-year Eclipse Award reign, has done an excellent job securing live mounts for his young charge, who previously had won the 2015 Eclipse Award as Top Apprentice. Tyler was lit up like a firecracker this 4th of July, when he
erupted for 7 victories at Gulfstream, equaling the 22-year-old record of his idol, Jerry Bailey, who set the record on Florida Derby Day in 1995! Tyler will commute to Saratoga to race on Mondays and Wednesdays this Meet, Dark Days at Gulfstream, to get his feet wet amidst the top Jockey Colony in the world, in anticipation of moving his tack permanently up to New York in 2018, following Gulfstream’s Championship Winter Meet, and in time for Belmont’s Spring/Summer Meet. With 4 Leading Rider titles already notched at his home track, this 22-year-old seems poised to make the move up to the “big leagues” in New York, under the careful guidance of one of the top Agents in the business, with Matt Muzikar! See you every Friday throughout the Meet for my weekly recap of racing and off the track activities!
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Migliore Tries to Make Magic on the Track and the Poker Table
by Tony Podlaski for Saratoga TODAY Anyone involved in gaming – including thoroughbred racing and poker -- knows the outcome is based on chances. Sometimes, those chances can have a magical outcome.
Joe Migliore can attest to that. Over the last three months, Migliore has experienced two magical moments: being in the Churchill Downs Winner’s Circle after Always Dreaming won the Kentucky Derby and finishing in the top 100 at the World Series of Poker. “This has been an unbelievable experience,” said Migliore, who is the 26-yearold son of New York jockey legend Richard Migliore. “It has been an incredible journey.” Beyond his passion for thoroughbred racing and his father’s connection to the sport, Migliore’s journey started in 2011 when he spent his summers at Saratoga by working for trainer John Kimmell while being an intern for the
New York Racing Association’s communication office. After graduating from the University of Delaware, Migliore was accepted into a six-month program in January 2014 at the Irish National Stud where he learned various aspects of managing a major stud farm. Then with his last $1,000, he bought a oneway ticket to Australia where worked for Arrowfield Stud, one of the top breeding farms in that part of the world, until February 2015. Migliore then came back to New York and started working as a sales associate for West Point Thoroughbreds, one of the co-owners of Always Dreaming. Along with selling shares of horses, Migliore is a liaison for clients and the connections around their horses to create that magical experience. “Tom Bellhouse [Chief Financial Officer] gave me a great quote when I started working for West Point: ‘This is sort of like working at Disneyworld. You have to be on every single day and make that magical experience happen for everyone.” And Migliore has done that. Migliore helped a partner experience one of those magical moments by selling a small share of Always Dreaming to Dana Fitzsimmons, who has
been to every Kentucky Derby since the mid-1970s. For Migliore and the West Point Thoroughbred partners, the surreal feeling became real as Always Dreaming headed into the far turn. “We got excited at the half-mile pole when he shook off Irish War Cry,” Migliore said. “All of the sudden, it became very real. The next thing we know, we are running across the dirt to get to the Winner’s Circle. It was a euphoric feeling. It was also a truly a rewarding feeling for all of us to give people experiences they never had.” Besides his success at West Point Thoroughbreds, Migliore made a strong impression at the World Series of Poker last weekend in Las Vegas. As one of 7,221 entries, he earned $61,929 with his 97th-place finish against 1,084 players after five days at the table. “I didn’t go into this with a lot of expectations,” he said. “My initial goal was to make it through Day 1. Once I got past that, I figured to make some money off of that. Before I knew it, I started Day 5 with over $1 million in chips. After five days of playing 10-hours of poker each day, the fatigue, and the class level of 150 players caught up to me. “ Migliore earned a spot at the World Series of Poker after
Joe Migliore
qualifying at Foxwood’s satellite tournaments in June. Both tournaments have been a learning experience for him, but something he would do again. “If I can qualify in another satellite tournament next year, I will do it again. I think this experience has helped me enormously. It’s important to have patience to go through those couple-of-hour streaks and avoid taking those unnecessary risks. It is certainly a marathon and not a sprint. The World Series of Poker is like the Kentucky Derby. It’s the tournament that every poker player wants to win.” This year, West Point Thoroughbreds have been winning at 21 percent from their starters, and Migliore is hoping that trend continues at Saratoga with horses like Always Dreaming, Delaware Oaks winner Berned, and hopeful Boreale, who won an allowance race on the Delaware Park turf course in her U.S. debut in June. “The stable has been clicking,” Migliore said. “I think a lot of our horses are coming into the meet in good form.” West Point kicks off its Saratoga season on Friday’s opening day card with stakesplacing Best Performance in the Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. “It feels a little magic coming together for us on opening day,” Migliore said. “If West Point wins the first graded stakes of the meet, you will definitely hear from us.”
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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Thoroughbreds, Veterans Heal Together
by Megin Potter for Saratoga TODAY SCHUYLERVILLE — Some of us have experienced moments in life so surreal they seem like a dream. Our brains struggle to comprehend these events - the consequence being a lingering residue that impacts behavior, and often makes it difficult (if not impossible) to get the regenerative sleep the body needs. “An emotional circuit breaker pops to protect you from total breakdown physically and physiologically. You have nightmares; have the inability to sleep because your body is constantly on alert. When you can’t sleep, everything else is affected. You start selfmedicating and suffer from anxiety,” said Bob Nevins, Founder of Saratoga WarHorse. Veterans and their families are often left suffering with the devastating internal injuries caused by emotional trauma inflicted during their high-intensity service career. Since 2011, Saratoga WarHorse has provided 700 veterans with a unique healing opportunity. Connecting them with retired thoroughbred horses helps both to instantly reset that emotional circuit breaker, and allow for a new phase of life to begin.
“We are not sitting around singing, “Kumbaya” or talking about what happened to you. It’s not about petting and riding horses. This is a very specific, powerful procedure,” said Nevins. Thoroughbred horses encapsulate power, but to earn their respect, you must speak their language. “Horses, by nature, are a flight animal, like a deer. Man, by nature, is a predator. For self-preservation, in war, we are taught to use force, intimidation, and violence to get a job done. Horses use body language and eye contact,” explained Nevins. The dedicated team at Saratoga WarHorse teaches how to make trust happen at the Cricket Hill Farm stables in Schuylerville, and since 2014, at their satellite facility in Aiken, South Carolina. Completely confidential and fully paid for with donations, graduates of the 3-day program are calling it miraculous. “When the horse touches them, every fear they’ve had evaporates. They feel
unconditionally accepted, forgiven, needed, trusted, and safe. They don’t believe it until it actually happens. Then they say, ‘That horse changed everything for me,’” said Nevins. The horses’ lives are dramatically improved, as well. Nearly 100 horses have been re-trained through this program, renewing a genuine sense of usefulness in both animal and veteran. “The horse is so relieved that someone understands them. When those two come together – they save each other,” said Nevins. Letters of thanks and appreciation pour in, reporting that the initial immediate emotional release the veterans experienced has opened them up to enjoying life again; inspiring them to learn a new musical instrument, giving
them the confidence to get a new job, or go to college. “It’s amazing to witness it,” said Executive Director Susan Rhoades. Guests will have the opportunity to hear veteran’s stories first-hand at their upcoming gala in August. The Saratoga WarHorse Foundation 5th Annual Blue Spangled Gala will be held
Monday, August 14, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at Saratoga’s Hall of Springs. In addition to hearing from program graduates, guests can look forward to keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Jeff Foley, an open bar, silent auction, and reverse auction. Purchase tickets at www.saratogawarhorse. org by August 4, 2017.
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FOOD
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Saratoga Farmers Embrace ‘Rain or Shine’ Stored on-site are tarps and tent panels, extra tent weights and rope in case of high winds, a flashlight, and a variety of tools that a pop-up market might suddenly need. While heavy rains have damaged crops, farmers are replanting and continuing to offer the best of what they have. And with the rain the best often is even better. Think of stalks of Swiss chard freshly (rain) washed; beets, carrots, patty pan squash and zucchini in
Saturdays, 9 to 1 Wednesday, 3-6 High Rock Park The bell rang at 9 a.m. Saturday, announcing the start of the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Then, the clouds opened. Rain poured in sheets, drenching everyone, creating pools on vendor tents, and a creek between Dickinson’s Delights and the Feathered Antler. Such has been the scene often this summer, with our m o r e - f r e q u e nt - t h a n - u s u a l rainfalls. Does this matter? To market goers? To vendors? To me, as the market director tasked with the job of ensuring that all who visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market have an enjoyable yet safe experience? “We’ve had a lot of cool weather and recently some very heavy downpours at the market,” said Sean Dean, of Nettle Meadow Farm. “I don’t worry if it’s raining when the
Farmers' Market By Pattie Garrett
brilliant hues, the white salad onions tasting even sweeter. Meanwhile, I monitor forecasts on two weather apps. I watch the sky and try to get a feel for the humidity. Regardless, I know we’ll be open, rain or shine. The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Blueberry Freezer Jam market begins because ten minutes later it could be a beautiful day.” Our customers seem to agree, as our market has been as busy as ever. Most of our regular customers are like our market – rain-or-shine shoppers. For that, I am grateful.
“I think these rainy days are an adventure,” said market regular Pattie Garrett. “And, kids love splashing through puddles. Everything is under a roof. You just need to dash between tents and pavilions.” To keep vendors and customers safe, we take precautions. We weigh down tents with concrete-filled buckets, sandbags or disc weights. We monitor the pavilion gutters for leaks and are prepared to move vendors if necessary. Vendors come prepared with rain jackets, boots, and increasingly brooms or sticks to help shake accumulating water off the tops of their tents.
Blueberry Freezer Jam Adapted from recipe by Amy Johnson, She Wears Many Hats Serves: about 3 cups Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 10 mins
Ingredients
Directions
* Ingredients can be found at the market
1. Place blueberries and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Use a potato masher or flat bottom glass to mash the berries. Mash them as well as you can, but don’t worry if you don’t have them all mashed. 2. Bring berry mixture to a boil. 3. Add granulated sugar and return to a boil. Continue to boil for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Stir in pectin, bring to a full boil and boil hard for only 1 minute. Remove from heat. 5. Transfer to canning jars or freezer containers leaving ½-inch space at top. Seal jars/containers. Let stand at room temperature until cool. 6. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
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2 cups fresh blueberries* 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons (.875 ounces) no-sugarneeded fruit pectin (like Sure. Jell in the pink box)
Notes: This recipe is for a small batch. Easily double the recipe if needed.
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
My Main Squeeze
by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY Hello my Foodie Friends. Many of our amateur and professional chefs spend a lot more time thinking about and preparing food than the average person. Even so, convenience can define what we eat and cook nearly as much as good taste. Take salads, for instance. Before squeeze bottles made their appearance in my kitchen, I’d eat them perhaps once or twice a month, and only when I was hosting a dinner party. The hassle of making a fresh batch of vinaigrette just for myself and my wife is simply too big (and forget about using bottled dressing). Squeeze bottles are a good, simple tool to have. There are many reasons to own a squeeze bottle. Namely, it’ll make you a better cook and better eater.
These days, I keep a couple of different vinaigrettes ready to go in 12-ounce squeeze bottles in the fridge (any of these will do). Stick your finger over the top, give it a good shake, squirt it onto your greens in a mixing bowl, and boom: lunch is served. In order to make sure that chunky items like shallots or crushed nuts don’t get caught in the tip, sometimes you’ve got to snip off the tip of the bottle with a paring knife or a good pair of kitchen shears. As far as condiments go, squeeze bottles are another lifesaver. You can fill them with mustard, ketchup, mayo, olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, tonkatsu sauce, and vinegar. Buy these products in bulk, store the cans out of the way under the sink or in the closet, and refill your squeeze bottles as needed. It’ll make the inside of your refrigerator look all cool, organized, and “cheffy” as well. Many of our Foodie Friends make homemade condiments such a mayo and bbq sauce, various purées, homemade plum sauce, pesto, aïoli, sweet miso sauce, chili sauce, garlic and herb oils, - you get the picture. Basically anything that can quickly transform a normal piece of food into
something more complex and a little bit fancy. Want to throw a fancy cocktail party? Squeeze bottles are your friend. Fill a big one with simple syrup, smaller ones with fresh squeezed citrus juice or flavored syrups. You’ll be cleaner, neater, and more efficient, cutting the time it takes to make each cocktail. Your guests will thank you and marvel at how pro you look. Pro Tip: For easy sauce transport, take the lid off the squeeze
Hattie’s™ Raw Bar, Courtyard Bar & Happy Hours SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hattie’s Restaurant has added a Raw Bar and an outdoor bar to their courtyard, designed and built by Hattie’s bar designer and builder, Matt Geleta. Customers place their order directly with the shucker, watch their clams or oysters opened and pay right at the raw bar. The outdoor bar is filled with aromatic herbs and plants and offers alternative bar seating while customers are waiting for a table or enjoying the raw bar. Head Shucker Simon Smith has been waiting all spring for the raw bar to open. “I’ve worked in every department at Hattie’s and I jumped at the chance to run the raw bar. Plus I get to spend my nights outside!” says Smith. Simon also provided photographs of the raw bar for advertising.
Photos by Hattie’s employee Simon Smith
Hattie’s Newly designed Patio Bar is open at 4pm daily with a Happy hour Monday –Friday 4pm-7pm serving half price drinks & complimentary pimento cheese and crackers (at the bar only.) Industry happy hour takes place 10pm-close on Monday
nights with half price drinks and DJ Trumastr providing entertainment. Hattie’s is serving dinner 7 days a week 5pm-10pm and Saturday and Sunday Brunch 9am-2pm. Hattie’s Raw Bar is open 4pm daily
bottles, cover the hole with a double layer of plastic wrap, screw the lid back on. Your sauce will stay 100% drip-free until you get to your destination. Holy squeeze bottle!! Did you ever think that there would be so many uses for such a simple tool?
Make a squeeze bottle your main squeeze. Stop by Compliments to the Chef in Saratoga Springs for your amateur and professional culinary needs. Enjoy time with family and friends. Remember, “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. Take care, John and Paula
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Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
THE SOCIETY PAGE
ANNUAL “CROQUET ON THE GREEN” FUNDRAISER AUG. 1
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ARATOGA SPRINGS — The 4th Annual Croquet on the Green Fundraiser will take place 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 at AIM Lawn, 4227 Route 50, Saratoga Springs. Anyone interested in learning the rules of croquet and how to play may arrive at 2:30 p.m. for a lesson from U.S. Croquet champion Francis Palasieski. Pricing: A croquet team consists of two players. Croquet Team & Garden Party for Two is $100; Garden Party Only for One is $40. Formed in 1979, AIM Services is a non-profit organization providing residential and community-based services to people with disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injuries and those who are looking for nursing home transition or diversion. Funds raised during the event go directly to the care and support for the people served by the organization. For more information and to register for this year’s event, go to: https://www.aimservicesinc.org/ events/4th-annual-croquet-green-amateurtournament-garden-party/
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING TO HOST VETERANS, TRACK EMPLOYEES FUNDRAISER
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THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT FOUNDATION ANNUAL “HAY, OATS & SPAGHETTI” DINNER JULY 24
SARATOGA HOSPITAL FOUNDATION SUMMER GALA AUG. 2 TO BENEFIT SARATOGA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
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ARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital Foundation will hold its 35th Annual Summer Gala on Aug. 2 at The Polo Meadow on the grounds of Saratoga Casino Hotel. Proceeds benefit Saratoga Hospital’s Saratoga Community Health Center—the only facility in the Saratoga region to provide high-quality, routine healthcare to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The gala event is known for its colorful themes—this year, “Adirondack Summer”—and distinctive auction items. The summer gala nets about $300,000 annually for the Community Health Center. This year’s auction items include producer’s seats to “Hamilton” on Broadway; one-of-a-kind excursions to Maui, Napa Valley and a dove hunt in Argentina; tickets to U.S. Open Tennis; box seats for Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course; an interior design makeover and much more. A complete list is available at www.saratogahospitalgala.org The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., with the live auction at 7 p.m. Reservations cost $175 per person ($125 for those 21-35) and are available at www.saratogahospitalgala.org. For questions, email acarroll@ saratogahospital.org, or call 518-583-8340. Saratoga Community Health Center serves more than 6,600 patients, providing primary care, dental and behavioral health services. The center also helps patients obtain no- or low-cost health insurance, connects them with specialty medical care and community services, and continually finds ways to engage patients in improving their health and quality of life.
ARATOGA SPRINGS — A fundraiser to benefit veterans and track employees will be held 6 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the National Museum of Racing, on Union Avenue. Several of the nation’s top stable owners, trainers, jockeys and racehorse industry professionals are anticipated to attend the event. Tickets are $100 in advance, $125 day of event. For more information, call John at 518-2327554, or Bill at 518-491-0556.
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ARATOGA SPRINGS — Now in its fifth year, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Annual “Hay, Oats & Spaghetti” dinner has become a popular, casual way to welcome the Saratoga racing season. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation was founded in 1983 and is devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime and rehabilitates and retrains sound horses for second careers. This year’s celebration will be held from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, July 24 at Bravo! Restaurant, 3246 Rt. 9. Tickets for “Hay, Oats & Spaghetti” are $85 and reserved seating is available. Ticket prices include beer, wine and a sumptuous Italian buffet. All proceeds from “Hay, Oats & Spaghetti” will benefit the Saratoga Springs-based TRF. For more details on “Hay, Oats & Spaghetti,” or to reserve tickets, call 518-226-0028 or visit http://www.trfinc.org/event/hayoats2017/.
ARTS 37 + ENTERTAINMENT
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
William Kennedy, Rick Moody, Joyce Spa City Musicians Carol Oates this Week at the NYS Strike Up the Band Writers Institute at Skidmore for One of Their Own SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pete Pashoukos is one of the stars of Saratoga’s excellent local music scene, playing blazing hot, nuanced and delicious acoustic guitar. He is also a husband, father and caring friend. Pete has been suffering from a debilitating and severely painful spinal defect called Spondylolisthesis. A stellar line-up of local stars have stepped forward to raise money to help Pete and his family get
Rick Moody, delivering a rarely spoken, and emotional reading of his story “Demonology,” during the New York State Writers Institute Summer Reading Series in 2013. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
All Events begin at 8 p.m. in Davis Auditorium, Palamountain Hall, on the campus of Skidmore College, and are free and open to the public. Friday, July 21: Fictionist Amy Hempel (The Dog of Marriage) and Novelist Garth Greenwell (What Belongs to You). Monday, July 24: Novelist Cristina Garcia (Dreaming in
Cuban, King of Cuba, The Lady Matador’s Hotel) and Novelist Paul Harding (Tinkers, Enon). Tuesday, July 25: Novelist William Kennedy (Ironweed, Roscoe) and Novelist Francine Prose (Lovers at the Chameleon Club: Paris 1932). Wednesday, July 26: Novelist Joyce Carol Oates (Zombie, Blondie, Carthage).
Thursday, July 27: Novelist Jamaica Kincaid (See Now Then, Autobiography Of My Mother, Lucy) and Poet Henri Cole (Nothing To Declare, Touch). Friday, July 28: Novelist Rick Moody (Hotels of North America) and Jim Miller (author “Democracy Is In The Streets” and other books).
Selected Shorts on Tour: Stage and Screen Actors to Perform at Skidmore College SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York State Writers Institute at Skidmore College presents an evening of Selected Shorts performances and readings starring actors James Naughton, stage and screen star of “Chicago,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” and “Planet of the Apes,” Richard Masur of “Orange is the New Black,” “One Day at a Time,” and “The Good Wife,” and Mia Dillon of “The Money Pit,” “All Good Things,” and “Gods and Generals.”
The event takes place at the Arthur Zankel Music Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. Readings will include “Yancey” by Ann Beattie, performed by Mia Dillon; “The Caul” by Russell Banks, performed by Richard Masur; and “Election Eve” by Evan S. Connell, performed by James Naughton. Selected Shorts is a premiere performance/reading series regularly held at the Peter Sharpe Theatre at Symphony
Space in New York City. Each performance represents a unique theme, featuring fictional stories that are brought to life by actors from stage, screen and television. Performances are often co-hosted by writers, literary producers and other interesting characters. Tickets are: General Admission: $25, Senior: $20, Student: $15. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 518-580-5321.
through the three months he’ll be unable to work now that he has gotten the surgery he needs. “Saratoga Plays for Pete Pashoukos,” features Jeff & Becky Walton, Tom McWatters, Rick and Sharon Bolton, Steve Candlen, Angelina Valente, and Let’s Be Leonard at Caffe Lena on Sunday, July 23. Showtime is 7 p.m., tickets are $20 general admission, $10 kids and students and 100 percent of ticket sales will go to Pete Pashoukos and his family.
ARTS 38 +
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
ENTERTAINMENT
Film, Skype Event at Spa Little Theater to Benefit Ugandan Chess Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Film Forum is partnering with The Giving Circle for a special event to benefit their educational programs in Uganda. ”The Queen of Katwe,” a 2015 film, tells the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, an impoverished young girl from Uganda. Phiona and her brother crossed paths with Robert Katende, who recognized that the slum kids he worked with weren’t going to compete in sports. He decided to teach them chess – a game that
equalizes issues of class, education and income and transcends language. Soon, Katende realized Phiona had a very special gift, when she began to beat him. The event will take place 7-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 27 at the Spa Little Theater 19 Roosevelt Ave., and includes the film, chess for kids and adults, and information about the Giving Circle’s important program. Proceeds of the event will fund the maintenance and expansion of their Chess program in
Uganda, benefiting many young children, from early school age to high school. Tickets are $19 advance, $25 night of event and are available at: https://www. thegivingcircle.org/wordpress/ global/school-chess-programs/ queen-of-katwe-movie. Robert Katende will Skype in live from Kampala, Uganda for a Q&A after the movie. Learn more about the Giving Circle’s Chess Program at: https://www.thegivingcircle.org/wordpress/global/ school-chess-programs/.
Racing City Chorus to Perform Sidewalk Series Through Summer SARATOGA SPRINGS — Racing City Chorus, a Saratoga institution since 1956, will present a series of free strolling performances on the sidewalks of downtown Saratoga Springs this summer during the 2017
thoroughbred racing meet. Now in its eighth season, “Barbershop on Broadway” brings the unique American art form of four-part a capella harmony in the barbershop-style downtown 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
on Thursday evenings - from July 27 to Aug. 31. The Chorus performs standards, doo-wop, show tunes, and patriotic numbers to visitors and patio diners. For more information, go to: www.racingcitychorus.org.
Local Travers Artist Greg Montgomery Poster Signing SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa Fine Art welcomes nationally recognized Saratoga artist Greg Montgomery to the gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. The public is invited to meet the artist and have their Travers poster or book signed, which will be available to purchase at the gallery, located at 376 Broadway. Montgomery’s series of posters for the Travers Stakes race is the longest running series by a single artist for a single event in racing history. For more information about Spa Fine Art, Greg Montgomery, or the event, please call 518-587-2411 or Spafineart@aol.com.
ARTS 39 + ENTERTAINMENT
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Bonham at SPAC SARATOGA SPRINGS — Does it feel like the first time, like the very first time? Gorging on a setlist first unveiled between the years 1977 and 1984, Foreigner brought their 40th Anniversary Tour to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center Tuesday night, for better or worse sticking to a menu of hits that ruled the pre-Google airwaves. But, does it feel like the very first time? That all depends upon what you felt about it then. Foreigner has always been a polarizing band. Even at the time of their founding they represented a symbolic continuum of a middle-of-theroad arena rock that ruled the American mainstream. The first time I saw Foreigner was on a June day in 1978, opening for the Rolling Stones (who were awful that night) with 100,000 other people in a Philadelphia stadium undoubtedly constructed during the Fred Flinstone Era and subsequently condemned and mercifully demolished at some later date. Cheap Trick, who also performed at SPAC Tuesday night, I first saw on a stage at The Palladium in New York City that same year, in support of The Cars. So, it is through this historic lens, perhaps, that gave the evening the feel of a high school reunion. This despite the comments of Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, who introduced his band’s recreation of its debut album tune “He’s a Whore” this way: “Here’s a song from an album that came out before 90 percent of you were born.” Nice sentiment, but likely not accurate. Adding a touch of surrealism to the back-in-the-day feel of the concert, Jason Bonham son of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham - opened the show with a nine-song set consisting entirely of Zeppelin tunes. Flanked by bass player Dorian Heartsong – draped in a Leo glyph T-shirt reminiscent of Mick Jagger’s “Gimme Shelter” days, and guitar player Tony Catania – bearing a New York City T-shirt similar to the one John Lennon wore for Bob Gruen’s iconic photograph, Bonham pounded his drum kit with a befitting sense of his dad’s original work while singer James Dylan delivered an uncanny spot-on recreation of
Photos by PhotoAndGraphic.com.
Foreigner performing at SPAC.
Robert Plant’s vinyl vocalizations. Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience: the best Led Zeppelin cover band in the world. Cheap Trick, which mostly remains intact member-wise (drummer Bun E. Carlos was replaced by Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx in 2010) hit several high points during its 55-minute set. They performed crowd favorites “I Want You To Want Me,” “Dream Police,” and “Surrender” – to the band’s credit the only three songs repeated compared to its show at the venue last September – and a passionately haunting rendition of “Heaven Tonight.” Singer Robin Zander, bearing a cop’s hat and a “Dream Police” stitched leatherette jacket played
Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Experience performing at SPAC on July 18, 2017.
to the crowd and guitarist Rick Nielsen was his usual gregarious self, perpetually swapping sixstring machines from among his armada of guitars, flipping guitar picks into the crowd, and during the lyric in “Surrender” when Zander sings “Got my KISS records out,” flinging (presumably a KISS) album jacket, ninja-like 15 rows deep, and inspiring a mad dash of concert goers scrambling for the souvenir. The intermission changeover on stage was accompanied by the inescapable bleating of ‘80s tunes by the likes of Supertramp and Billy Joel, eventually leading to a tear-away curtain that unveiled the night’s headliners. Foreigner – led by sole remaining
Marshall Crenshaw To Perform at Caffè Lena SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marshall Crenshaw and Dan Bern will share the stage in a onetime-only show at Caffè Lena on Saturday, July 22. Crenshaw’s power pop songs have fed the repertoires of Bette Midler, Ronnie Spector, the Gin Blossoms and his own albums on RCA, Warner Brothers and Razor & Tie. His signature songwriting style is melodic, hooky and emotionally true. Bern, who tips his hat to the spirits Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, the Beatles, and a young Bob Dylan, delivers literary, sometimes funny, and often cinematic tunes. In addition to his seventeen albums for adults and
children, he has published a full-length novel, exhibited his paintings, writes prolifically for Hollywood films, and issued a recently released book of poetry called “Reconsidering Nixon.” As for Crenshaw - and he’s probably sick of hearing about it – but were you anywhere near a radio during the early 1980s, his songs were inescapable. Here’s a version of Crenshaw’s “Someday, Someway,” performed by the legendary pairing of Robert Gordon and Link Wray: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3VwzuzhWv3A . Tickets are $27 general admission, $25 café members, and $13.75 students and kids. For more information, call 518-583-0022.
Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick performing at SPAC.
founding member Mick Jones kicked off its set with “Double Vision” and “Head Games” and didn’t veer off course from the identical dozen-song hit parade
they’ve been performing on this 40th anniversary tour. Juke box heroes? Or, cold as ice? That all depends upon what how you felt about it that very first time.
ARTS 40 +
ENTERTAINMENT
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
week of 7/21-7/27 friday, 7/21:
monday, 7/24:
Roy Hurd Trio, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
Open Mic Night, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
Radio Junkies, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400
Cristina Garcia, Paul Harding, 8 pm @ NYSWI at Skidmore College — 580.5590
Fountain of Youth Festival, 7:30 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484
Super Dark Collective — Andrew Hassenger, 10 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026
Mike O’Donnell, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Amy Hempel, Garth Greenwell, 8 pm @ NYSWI at Skidmore College — 580.5590
CRITERION 19 RAILROAD PLACE, SARATOGA SPRINGS
Atomic Blonde (R) 2d dunkiRk (PG-13) 2d dunkiRk (PG-13) 2d BtX GiRlS tRiP (R) 2d VAleRiAn And the city oF A thouSAnd PlAnetS (PG-13) 2d VAleRiAn And the city oF A thouSAnd PlAnetS (PG-13) 3d the BiG Sick (R) 2d WAR FoR the PlAnet oF the APeS (PG-13) 2d SPideR-mAn: homecominG (PG-13) 2d deSPicABle me 3 (PG) 2d BABy dRiVeR (R) 2d WondeR WomAn (PG-13) 2d
(518) 306-4205 07/21/17-07/27/17 thu: 7:00, 9:50 FRi - Sun: 10:30 Am, 1:10, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10 mon - thu: 1:00, 3:50, 6:30, 9:10 FRi - thu: 11:40 Am, 2:20, 5:00, 7:40, 10:20 FRi - Sun: 11:00 Am, 2:00, 5:20, 8:00, 10:50 mon - thu: 11:10 Am, 2:00, 5:20, 8:00, 10:50 FRi - Sun: 12:40, 4:00, 10:15 mon - thu: 4:00, 10:15 FRi - Sun: 9:50 Am, 7:10 mon - thu: 12:40, 7:10 FRi - Sun: 10:00 Am, 1:30, 3:30, 6:45, 9:40 mon - thu: 1:30, 3:40, 6:45, 9:40
FRi - Wed: 11:20 Am, 12:50, 2:45, 4:20, 6:00, 7:00, 9:20, 10:30 thu: 11:20 Am, 12:50, 2:45, 4:20, 7:00, 10:30 FRi - Sun: 10:20 Am, 12:00, 3:10, 7:30, 10:10 mon - thu: 12:00, 3:10, 7:30, 10:10 FRi - Sun: 10:10 Am, 1:00, 4:30, 6:10, 9:00 mon - thu: 11:00 Am, 1:15, 4:30, 6:10, 9:00 FRi - Sun: 11:10 Am, 2:30, 5:10, 8:10, 10:50 mon - thu: 11:30 Am, 2:30, 5:10, 8:10, 10:50 FRi - thu: 11:50 Am, 3:00, 6:20, 9:30
Wilton, NY 12866 3065 Route 50, Wilton
(518) 306-4707 07/21/17-07/27/17
Atomic Blonde (R) 2d dunkiRk (PG-13) 2d
thu: 7:00, 10:00 FRi - thu: 9:40 Am, 12:20, 3:10, 6:00, 8:50
dunkiRk (PG-13) 2d BtX
FRi - thu: 10:30 Am, 1:20, 4:10, 7:00, 9:50
GiRlS tRiP (R) 2d VAleRiAn And the city oF A thouSAnd PlAnetS (PG-13) 2d VAleRiAn And the city oF A thouSAnd PlAnetS (PG-13) 3d WAR FoR the PlAnet oF the APeS (PG-13) 2d
FRi - thu: 10:40 Am, 1:50, 4:50, 7:40, 10:30 FRi - thu: 1:00, 4:20, 10:40 FRi - thu: 9:50 Am, 7:30 FRi - Wed: 10:00 Am, 1:10, 4:00, 6:50, 10:00 thu: 10:00 Am, 1:10, 6:50, 10:00
WiSh uPon (PG-13) 2d
FRi - mon: 11:10 Am, 1:40, 4:30, 7:50, 10:20 tue & Wed: 1:40, 4:30, 7:50, 10:20 thu: 11:10 Am, 1:40, 4:30
SPideR-mAn: homecominG (PG-13) 2d
FRi - mon: 10:10 Am, 1:30, 3:30, 7:10, 10:10 tue & Wed: 1:30, 3:30, 7:10, 10:10 thu: 10:10 Am, 1:30, 3:30, 7:10, 10:10
deSPicABle me 3 (PG) 2d
FRi - thu: 10:20 Am, 12:50, 4:40, 6:40, 9:20
Dave Fisk Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582 Bob Capowski, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Tananger, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Rob Fleming, 8 pm @ Peabody’s — 886.8673 Backup Planet, 8 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 The McKrells, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Aaron Lewis, 7 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall — 371.0012
saturday, 7/22: Marshall Crenshaw and Dan Bern, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022
tuesday, 7/25: The Stray Birds, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Traditional Open Irish Session w/ Drank The Gold, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Robonic Reggae — every Tuesday, 2 pm @ Lake Local — 886.1373 William Kennedy, Francine Prose, 8 pm @ NYSWI at Skidmore College — 580.5590
wednesday, 7/26: Acoustic Blues Open Mic & Jam, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Hot Club of Saratoga .every Wednesday, 7 pm @ Hamlet + Ghost — 450.7287
Crazy Head Mazie, 10 pm @ Caroline St. Pub — 583.9400
Tim Wechgelaer & Chris Carey, Acoustic Duo, 7:30 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890
Mark Kleinhaut, Jazz Duo, 7 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890
Joyce Carol Oates, 8 pm @ NYSWI at Skidmore College — 580.5590
Look for the Silver Lining — Judy Garland Tribute, 7 pm @ Hudson River Music Hall — 832.3484
Masters of Nostalgia, 8:30 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026
Robanic Reggae — every Saturday, 2 pm @ Lake Local — 886.1373
The Broken — CD release party, 9 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066
Keith Pray Quartet, 9 pm @ 9 Maple Avenue — 583.2582
Irish Celtic Session — every Wednesday, 7 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916
Local 11, 9 pm @ Peabody’s — 886.8673
thursday, 7/27:
Freddi Shihadi, 6 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 William Hale Band, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 North & South Dakotas w/Folkfaces, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066 Deja Vu Jazz, Swing Jazz Combo — every Saturday, 3.6 pm @ SPoT Coffee, Glens Falls — 584.9094 Hair of the Dog, 8 pm @ The Parting Glass — 583.1916 Conor Oberst, 7 pm @ Upstate Concert Hall — 371.0012
sunday, 7/23: Saratoga Plays for Pete Pashoukos: Walton, Bolton, Candlen, others, 8 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Jazz Jam Session, 7 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Hot Club of Saratoga — every Sunday, Noon @ Salt & Char — 450.7500
Old Salt Union with opener Chris Kasper, 7 pm @ Caffè Lena — 583.0022 Open Mic — every Thursday, 10 pm @ Circus Café — 583.1106 Jeff Walton, Acoustic Folk Rock, 6 pm @ Inn at Saratoga — 583.1890 Tim Wechgelaer & Rick Bolton — every Thursday, 5:30 pm @ Lake Local — 886.1373 Hot Club of Saratoga — every Thursday, 7 pm @ Mouzon House — 226.0014 Jamaica Kincaid, Henri Cole, 8 pm @ NYSWI at Skidmore College — 580.5590 Cloud Lifter, 9 pm @ One Caroline — 587.2026 Tim Wechgelaer — Every Thursday, 5:30 pm @ Lake Local — 682.2772 Dead at the Den: The Wheel, 9:30 pm @ Putnam Den — 584.8066
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
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Puzzles Across 1 Discussion 5 Untidy situation 9 Zodiac transition points 14 “The Time Machine” people 15 Fairly large fair 16 Guitarist Eddie Van __ 17 Reddish horse 18 Birthstone for many Libras 19 Stopped snoozing 20 Chicago bluesman nicknamed for the creek he played in as a child 23 “The Raven” poet 24 Tenth of ten in a race 25 Harvest machine 27 Filled with cargo 30 Wise guy sometimes “wearing” pants? 32 Magnate Onassis 33 Fancy wineglass 36 Pretty good 39 Little more than 41 Find another purpose for 42 Biker’s distance unit 43 Enjoys a buffet 44 Walked proudly 46 Mo. city on the Miss. 47 New Haven alumni 49 “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” storyteller 51 Daily food allowance 53 Bungee __ 55 Bus station abbr. 56 Ill-gotten gains 62 Damp 64 Fifth of 13 popes 65 Use gentle persuasion on 66 Game show host 67 Soft French cheese 68 Work the copy desk 69 Bare 70 Agile 71 Family rooms Down 1 School session 2 Matty of baseball 3 Washer capacity 4 Reader with Paperwhite and Fire models 5 Kitty cries
See puzzle solutions on page 46
See puzzle solution on page 46 6 Political exile, for short 7 Tiny tiff 8 Shoe bottom 9 Beer drunk after a shot 10 Detroit labor gp. 11 Greeting from an affectionate dog 12 Black tea variety 13 Disdainful grin 21 Yin partner 22 Not family-friendly, moviewise 26 Molecule part 27 Flimsy, as an excuse 28 Wallpaper hanger’s calculation 29 Fast one 30 Fails to enunciate 31 “You’ve Made __ Very Happy”: 1969 Blood, Sweat & Tears hit 34 Family name of three popes
35 __ noire 37 Range above tenor 38 Sharp cry 40 Actor Morales 45 British peer 48 Hit high in the air 50 Drew out, as latent talent 51 Japanese noodle dish 52 Dunkin’ Donuts emanation 53 “You’re preaching to the __!” 54 Yiddish “Egad!” 57 Barristers’ degs. 58 Maryland athlete, for short 59 Morse creation 60 Ball game delayer 61 Nos. requested by receptionists 63 “Get it?”
Writing the Right Word by Dave Dowling
Accuracy in word choice is a key to effective communication. In your daily writing and speaking, try to make sure you use the right word in the right place with the right spelling. By doing so, its effect will affect your communication in a positive way. This quick weekly tip will help you filter the confusion in some of our daily word choices. This Week: Leach, Leech Leach, a verb, means to empty, drain, or remove. The contaminated water leached into the neighborhood soil. Leech, a noun, refers to a bloodsucking worm or a person who will pillage from another. Leeches are usually found in cool fresh water, rivers, and ponds. We discovered a few people leeching off our wireless Internet Dave Dowling is the author of The Wrong Word Dictionary and The Dictionary of Worthless Words. Both books are available from many book retailers, and signed copies can be obtained by contacting Dave at dave.dowling65@gmail.com
42 It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day: Friday
Ad Copy Due: Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
CLASSIFIED
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
MARKETPLACE
classified@saratogapublishing.com
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MISC FOR SALE KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/ KIT Complete Treatment System. Available: Hardware Stores. The Home Depot, homedepot.com. Try Harris Guaranteed Roach Killers Too!
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 518-650-1110 Today!
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DIVORCE DIVORCE $349 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable Separation agreements Custody and support petitions. - 518-274-0380
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
It’s where NEED to be.
YOU
Publication Day:
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
Friday
Ad Copy Due:
classified@saratogapublishing.com
Wednesday, noon
Space Reservation Due: Monday, 5 p.m.
Call (518) 581-2480 x204
GARAGE SALES Get Your Ragtime On for the funkiest sale around. Daily 10-? Collectibles, antiques, decorative art. 4084 Route 9N, Greenfield. Check it out!
43
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HELP WANTED
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44
SPORTS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Saratoga Sevens Rugby Tournament Photos by Photoandgraphic.com.
by Lori Mahan Saratoga TODAY WILTON — Men and women of all ages gathered on July 15 for an all-day rugby tournament hosted by Saratoga Rugby Club (SRC) in Gavin Park. This tournament was a qualifier event for the national series. Teams from as far as Barbados and as close as Saratoga took part in the event. Gavin Park was an excellent venue with the large open fields perfectly accommodating for the several matches happening at once. Spectators moved from field to field to take in all of the action involving several different teams. Between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., there were approximately 90 matches on four different fields. Wilton was chosento host this year because it is equal distance from New York City and Boston. Eric Huss is the original creator of the event and this time he handed the reins over to his board of directors. Even though they were crunched for time this year, the club still managed to host approximately 40 teams equaling 500 players. Stephen Aguglia, Vice President of SRC, was proud of the event and stated that for the amount of people they had present and the short amount of coordination time they were working with, the tournament was only behind by a few minutes between different matches. “We coordinated with two different leagues and the town of Wilton along with many volunteers. We knew that there would be a lot of potential pitfalls that we were anxious about but we managed to pull it off and the feedback we’ve received has been positive,” Aguglia noted. Rugby, being the physical sport that it is, had already caused a few injuries just an hour after the tournament began. By 11 a.m. the EMT’s reported there had already been one broken nose and several scrapes and bruises. Coaches and EMT’s alike kept reminding the players to stay hydrated. Luckily,
no ambulances were called. “Small injuries and dehydration are the norm,” an EMT clarified. Jamie Everett, a local graduate from St. Lawrence University, has played on the White Plains Team for five years. Everett commented on how his team “had a tough
start,” but that they were happy to see how open the fields were, having plenty of room to move around and warm up before each match. “This is a tourist destination for a lot of reasons,” Aguglia continued, “Saratoga is a great place to visit in the summer time and we are looking to partner with local businesses in the community moving forward into next year. The potential is there to create something even bigger now that we have
more time on our side.” The Barbados team has their own invitational that has packages in place for participants with the team’s local businesses and airlines to create a smooth journey. The Saratoga Rugby Club would like to expand their tournament in a similar way and reach out to Montreal and Ottawa teams. On the women’s side, New York Rugby Club, from NYC, took first place and Old Blue Women, also from NYC, took
second. In the men’s bracket, Old Blue, NYC, took first place and The Bulldogs from Connecticut, took second. All four teams will be moving forward to nationals. Regardless of the overall division outcomes, the diversity on the field made for an entertaining tournament to watch. From the different coaching styles to the different playing techniques, the Saratoga Sevens Rugby Tournament was not an event to be missed.
SPORTS 45
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Museum of Racing Lawn Jockeys
Photo by Photoandgraphic.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — If you drive by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame you will notice a new outdoor feature. As of earlier this week, the Union Avenue walkway in front of the Museum is adorned with a total of 37 lawn jockeys. Local and national owners and farms paid for the brightly colored jockeys which represent their individual stable.
“We’re thrilled to have these lawn jockeys along our property in front of the Museum,” said Brien Bouyea, communications director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. “They add a lot of vibrancy to the landscape and they are a great way to have some of the sport’s most iconic stables recognized.” The jockeys were painted locally by Paula Salmiery.
Win a Chance to Sing the National Anthem at Saratoga Race Course SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced today the opening of an online competition for a chance to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at historic Saratoga Race Course. To enter, contestants must submit a video audition link from YouTube, or upload a file no larger than 50 megabytes to www.nyra.com/ saratoga/visit/national-anthemcontest, singing the National Anthem without accompaniment and fill out corresponding information. The closing date for entries is Aug 1. Multiple entrants will then be chosen to sing the
National Anthem on at least one day during this year’s 40-day race meet at Saratoga, which runs from July 21 – Labor Day, Sept. 4. Limited to one entry per person, each must feature the contestant’s own rendition of the National Anthem. Lip-synching by the contestant or use of a prerecorded voice will disqualify entry. Voice-altering mechanisms or programs are not allowed. Winning contestants will also be offered four clubhouse or grandstand seats on the day of their performance. For more information contact Dominic Labetti at DLabetti@nyrainc.com.
Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Friends of Skidmore Committee is currently seeking nominations for the Skidmore Athletics Hall of Fame. Nominees should be individuals who have “made outstanding contributions to Skidmore athletics and have helped bring
excellence and distinction to the College and its athletic program.” The induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 7 as part of the school’s Homecoming Weekend. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www. skidmoreathletics.com.
Schuylerville Senior Commits to University of Massachusetts SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School student Amy Moreau is entering her senior year with the college search process nearly complete. On July 3, Moreau committed to playing Division I lacrosse at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall of 2018. “It’s really exciting,” Moreau said. “It feels great to be done with the whole process and know what school I’ll be applying to in the fall.” Moreau was invited by Coach Angela McMahon to attend a two-day overnight camp at UMass Amherst in June. Moreau says as soon as she stepped foot on campus she knew it was a good fit. “It’s a huge school and it has so many opportunities,” Moreau said. “With 90 majors offered and not knowing what I want to do yet, it just felt right.” Moreau toured the campus, ate in the dining hall and got to meet and work out with some of the other recruits. She says while she looked at other Division I programs, UMass stood apart from the rest. “Lacrosse aside, it came
down to the best school for me academically,” Moreau said. “It’s just an added bonus that UMass has a good team.” Moreau is a member of both the varsity lacrosse and soccer programs at Schuylerville
High School. She has been playing both sports since elementary school and says it wasn’t until last summer that playing lacrosse after high school became part of her plans.
46
SPORTS
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
COMMUNITY SPORTS BULLETIN J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic REXFORD — The 14th annual J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Golf Classic will be held on July 24 at the Edison Club in Rexford from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. It will feature over 100 golfers from area businesses, contests, prizes complimentary beverages,18 holes of golf, a Saratoga Bridges gift, the 19th Hole Awards Ceremony, and a buffet dinner. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the J. Michael Fitzgibbons Memorial Scholarship Fund. Michael was a long-time board member who passed away unexpectedly in 2005. Registration is $175 per entrant.
Silks & Satins 5K SARATOGA SPRINGS -—The 21st annual Jeff Clark Memorial Silks & Satins 5K is set for July 22, and will run from 8-11 a.m., starting at Fasig Tipton on East Avenue. The run, which benefits Special Olympics New York, will take runners on a tour of Saratoga Springs. The course is a certified “flat and fast” 5K. Pre-registration for the event costs $25, and registration on the day will cost $30.
Saratoga Youth Field Hockey Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Booster Club
will be hosting its seventh fall season of youth field hockey beginning on Aug. 29 and ending on Sept. 30. The program is open to youths in grades 3-6, no experience needed. The program features practices, working on fundamental skills, and at least four play days with other area school club programs. The youth program brochure can be downloaded from the Booster Club’s website at www.eteamz. com/Saratogafieldhockey1. Registration is now open and the cost is $100 for the fall season, which includes a team vest for new players. For more information please contact Jo-Anne Hostig, Saratoga head field hockey coach at Togafieldhockey@gmail.com.
party event on Aug. 1 on the AIM lawn in Saratoga Springs. The event will begin with a croquet tutorial at 2:30 p.m., before commencing properly at 3 p.m. The competition will be judged by USCA National Champion Francis J. Palasieski. The event will also feature on-site cigar rolling from Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe, beverage tastings from Specialty Wines & More, catering by Deliciously Different Specialty Items, beer tasting from DeCrescente Distributing, and special raffles. There will also be “Best Dressed” and “Best Hat” contest judged by Natalie Sillery of Saratoga Trunk. For more information on this event, go to the “Events” tab at www. aimservicesinc.org.
Boys Volleyball Clinic
Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks Now Open
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Volleyball will be hosting a Volleyball Clinic at Maple Ave Middle School on July 24-27 from 8:30-11 a.m. A round robin tournament and pizza party are planned to follow the clinic. The program is intended for grades 5 and up. Registration can be completed on site and costs $75 per participant.
AIM Services Croquet on the Green Event SARATOGA SPRINGS — AIM Services will be hosting its fourth annual “Croquet on the Green” tournament and garden
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Recreation Department has announced that the Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks at 30 Weibel Avenue are now open. Schedules for the rinks can be found online at www.SaratogaRec.com. Any further inquiries should be directed to the department at 518-587-2300 ext. 2300, or at recreservations@saratogasprings.org.
Camp Saratoga 5K Fun Runs WILTON — Taking place on the trails at the 310-acre Camp
Puzzle solutions from pg. 41 Send your sports stories or briefs to Sports@Saratoga Publishing.com
Saratoga, this series is open to all ages and abilities. Runs will take place on July 24, Aug. 7, and Aug. 21 at the Wilton Wildlife Preserve. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the races commencing at 6:00 p.m. Registration is $5 per racer at the door. It is designed to be a fun but challenging trail course. Proceeds benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Saratoga Spa State Park, and another non-profit. For more information contact Laura Clark at races@saratogastryders.org or 518-581-1278. Runs take place rain or shine.
SUP Yoga SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Kayak Shack has begun offering weekly “SUP Yoga” classes, every Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. at the Shack’s location at 251 Stafford Bridge Road, Saratoga Springs. The courses are open to all skill levels, and will involve yoga sessions conducted on paddleboards out on the waters of Fish Creek. The fee or entry is $35 and includes a board rental, PFD, instruction, and yoga class. Those who bring their own boards only have to pay $20. More information is available at www.kayakshak.com.
Recreation Department Horsing Around Program SARATOGA SPRINGS — The
Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is offering a new program called Horsing Around during the 2017 Track meet. Horsing Around is a drop-off program for children ages 5-12. Various recreational activities and arts and crafts will be offered. For additional information or to download forms go to SaratogaRec.com. Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions.
NYRA College & Alumni Handicapping Tournament SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association will host the first-ever College & Alumni Day Handicapping Tournament during the 2017 summer season at Saratoga Race Course on July 28. College students and alumni will be invited to test their handicapping skills in a live money tournament for the opportunity to win up to a $5,000 scholarship for their alma mater from the New York Racing Association. Groups of 10 or more who register to participate in the College & Alumni Handicapping Tournament will receive a complimentary $30 wagering card, which will be utilized by the group to place five $2 win/place/show bets on one horse in five different races on the day’s card. For more information, go to www.NYRA. com/Saratoga.
SPORTS 47
Week of July 21 – July 27, 2017
Memorial Golf Tourney Celebrates Four Years Photos by Photoandgraphic.com.
by Thomas Kika Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS — A local memorial golf tourney returned to the McGregor Links Country Club to once again honor the memory of the late course superintendent, Mark Printsky. The fourth annual Mark Printsky Memorial Golf Tourney took place at McGregor Links on July 15, with 40 local golfers taking part in the tourney itself, and around 75 people being in attendance overall. The tourney is held each year to raise money in honor of the late Mark Printsky, the longtime course superintendent for McGregor who passed away suddenly in 2014 after 32 years of service. Money raised at the event goes towards the Mark D. Printsky Memorial Scholarship fund at Mark’s Alma matter, SUNY Cobleskill. In 2014, Mark’s wife Mary Beth Printsky found him passed on their bed. Despite her efforts with CPR, Mark tragically and suddenly passed away, leaving friends and family stunned and mourning. Around 6-8 weeks after his passing, those same friends and family came
Scholarship recipient Patrick Murray of SUNY Cobleskill with advisor Alex Ellram, PhD.
together to organize a memorial golf tourney in Mark’s name, and they were happily able to get it set up at his former place of employment, McGregor Links. Initially, the funds raised by the event went to Mary Beth herself, with subsequent annual tourneys raising money for the scholarship fund. “I didn’t want him to be forgotten,” Mary Beth Printsky said about continuing the tourney and establishing the fund in the last few years. As the course superintendent, Mark Printsky was responsible for managing all of the upkeep duties at McGregor Links. As his wife put it,
Mary Beth Printsky toasts the memory of her husband, Mark.
The plaque dedicated to the memory of Mark Printsky at this year’s event.
his work keeping the greens in top condition was one of the main reasons that people remembered and returned to course over the years. “In a way, he was the heart of the golf course,” Mary Beth Printsky said. “He was the reason people came to play.” Over the course of three years, the tourney has raised around $6,000 for the scholarship fund. Funds were raised this year through entrance fees, raffles, mulligan sales, and other methods. Saratoga Eagle Sales and Services donated beverages to the event. A
McGregor superintendent Joe Kehn dedicates a plaque to honor the memory of Mark Printsky.
plaque dedicated to Mark and his time with the club was also set up at the event. Mary Beth Printsky herself designed the plaque. “It just gave me so much joy,” Mary Beth Printsky said about this year’s event. “It was a real labor of love.” This year’s event saw returning Cobleskill senior Patrick Murray of Buzzards Bay, Mass., graciously accept the fund’s first scholarship, valued at $500. Once over $10,000 is raised for the fund, the amounts granted to each student will increase, according to Mary Beth
Printsky. To qualify for the Mark D. Printsky Memorial Scholarship, one must be a returning student in the Grass Management Studies Program. Mary Beth Printsky expressed gratitude to many individuals involved in helping in the tourney come to fruition. This included the owners of McGregor Links, Blake Crocitto and Bill Ahl, for providing the venue for the event and giving her a lifetime membership to the club, and Annemarie Kissane, McGregor’s assistant pro who helped her improved her golf game.
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