Simply Saratoga Summer 2015 by Saratoga TODAY

A Saratoga TODAY Publication Complimentary

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Summer

2015

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SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty

General Manager Robin Mitchell

Managing Editor

Chris Vallone Bushee

Creative Director Alyssa Jackson

Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

Advertising Design Amy Gifford

Graphic Designers Amy Gifford Alyssa Jackson Shawn Lockwood

Contributing Writers

Peter Bowden Helen Edelman Jodie Fitz Megan Harrington Chelsea Hoopes Silver Meghan Lemery Fritz Brianna Melanson Megin Potter Carrie Rowlands Johnson

Photographers

AerialPhotographyofSaratoga.com Larry Baily Bill Barbosa Bernard Baruch Heather Bohm-Tallman Sharon Castro Bob Cohen Alice Corey Jeremy Cowart Francesco D’Amico Matt Dine Paul Kolnik MarkBolles.com Brianna Melanson Adam Mooshian Deborah Neary Rachel Neville Ian Parker Randall Perry SamanthaDeckerPhoto.com Susie Raisher Sabi Varga SaratogaPhotographer.com Mark Seliger John Seymour Studio di Luce SuePhotography.com Lin Yang

Published by

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

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Simply Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2015, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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FROM THE EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee Managing Editor

I’ve been in Saratoga since 1985 and I still LOVE this time of year… The energy that builds prior to the season (and during!) never fails to disappoint… it has all the excitement of getting ready for company before a big holiday!

And speaking of expecting company… This issue has everything a tourist might need, no seriously… EVERYTHING! From a comprehensive dining guide (page 71) to ideas for things to do in addition to THE BIG THREE …That would be the track, polo and SPAC, of course : ) We have great sections, articles and photos… the work of 25 different photographers to be exact! We’re hoping that like Saratoga itself, this issue has something for everyone! Another great resource when getting to know a new area is the local’s BEST OF choices. Look for this logo to help navigate around town… and be “in the know” as to where the locals hang out.

One of the great joys of being the Managing Editor of Simply Saratoga magazine is being able to share with you, our readers, those people I feel most passionate about. For this issue, I bring you Natalie Sillery. I met her in 1995, just one year after she opened Saratoga Trunk, and I was a fan from day one! What she has contributed to this town is immeasurable and nothing I would even attempt to put into words (Luckily, we have great writers such as Carrie Johnson to do that for me!) See page 109. Whether you are a regular reader or are here for the season, I hope you enjoy this issue. For the most up-to-date news on the Saratoga area, pick up our free weekly, Saratoga TODAY newspaper or visit us online at www.SaratogaTODAYnewspaper.com. Please mention us when supporting our advertisers… they are the reason you can enjoy this publication, free of charge. If you think of anything I missed, that you’d like included in next summer ’s issue, just let me know cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com.

Chris

Note to tourists..

Don’t hit the ducks crossing Broadway from Congress Park SuePhotography.com

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CONTRIBUTORS PETER BOWDEN

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ

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

Meghan began her career in Boston where she spent five years counseling cancer patients at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She returned to the Saratoga area and started in private psychotherapy practice. She currently has an office in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls. She is also the author of her first published book, titled “Please Pass the Barbie Shoes” which was published in Spring of 2011.

HELEN EDELMAN

BRIANNA MELANSON

Helen writes about other writers, which can be a daunting task. She also writes about education, health care, the arts, and profiles of important and intriguing people she has met along the way. Edelman has been living in Saratoga Springs since 1970, when she arrived as a Skidmore freshman. She is the mother of four children and the extravagently proud grandmother of Cyra Friedlander, a chattering 2-year old who brings out the brightest stars with her smile.

Brianna is interning at Saratoga TODAY for the summer. She is a senior Professional Writing major at SUNY Cortland who aspires to become a magazine editor, like Chris Bushee. At school, she has been an active executive board member for the Cortland Writer’s Association and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to writing, she loves photographing anything from local bands to the fountains in Congress Park.

JODIE FITZ

MEGIN POTTER

MEGAN HARRINGTON

CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON

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

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

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

Carrie Rowlands Johnson is a former TV News reporter for Fox News. She is a freelance writer and blogger. Read more of her work at Carowlands.wix.com/ carrie-rowlands

CHARLIE KUENZEL AND DAVE PATTERSON

CHELSEA HOOPES SILVER

Chelsea Silver owns Silverwood Home & Gallery in downtown Saratoga Springs with her mother, Charlene. She began writing her blog, The Carriage House Chronicles, in 2012, loving the new opportunity to virtually connect with other design-oriented folks amateur and professional, local and afar. With degrees in English and American Fine and Decorative Arts, she is very happy to be combining these two passions in her new endeavor writing for Simply Saratoga.

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Saratoga Tours

Dave and Charlie are co-owners of Saratoga Tours LLC and are both retired award winning educators with a combined 70 years of service to the students of Saratoga Springs High School. Over the last 15 years they have excited and educated thousands of visitors with their depth of knowledge and appreciation for the history of the city of Saratoga Springs.

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SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

SUMMER 2015

WELCOME TO SARATOGA

CONTENT

23 The Saratoga Race Course 39 Saratoga Polo Association 48 SPAC 56 Frankie Flores’ NEW Venture 58 Area Farmers Markets 62 Locals’ Picks 71 Dining Guide 118

Life in Saratoga

FASHION 85

Your Guide to the Gala Season & Where to Shop!

A GOOD READ 109

Natalie Sillery & her Saratoga Trunk

122

Save the Date

127

The Panza Legacy with Dock Brown’s

134

Saratoga Families - The Kakaty Family

138

Meghan Lemery Fritz Gives good Advice

138

The Tales of High Rock

142

9 Miles East

146

Healing Waters

150

One Park...Endless Options

HOME & GARDEN 156

Carriage House Chronicles

164

Gardening with Peter Bowden

168

Entertaining Made Easy with Jodie Fitz

170

Architecturally Speaking

150

170

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156

Cover Credit: Victoria Pool photo by Samantha Decker, others provided.

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WELCOME TO SARATOGA SPRINGS

PHOTO BY AERIALPHOTOGRAPHYOFSARATOGA.COM

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Welcome to

“THE SEASON!”

From the early morning hours to the late night soirees, Saratoga is a hotbed of activity with something for everyone. The days begin at the crack of dawn with city workers making their way up and down Broadway. They are busy watering colorful flowers that hang from Victorian lampposts, reminiscent of another era. The petals catch rays of early morning sunlight which highlight their vibrant hues of red, purple and white. Store proprietors crack their doors, preparing their unique shops as dogs trot by with their humans and take in the scents. If you haven’t enjoyed an early morning stroll down Broadway, you owe it to yourself. Whether I take a jog or grab a coffee and walk, the early morning feel on Broadway is the perfect start to a Saratoga day. As the noon hour arrives, diners line Saratoga’s streets and enjoy a variety of cuisines and views. Happy chatter fills the air as busy servers scramble between tables. There is no shortage of firstclass service in this city! Speaking of service, our local shops have some of the best.

Whether shopping for books or baubles, you will most likely find it somewhere downtown. And if eclectic is your style, we have plenty of that also. So make sure you venture off the main course and hit the side streets. Their charm and uniqueness leaves you wanting to come back for more. And fashion…let’s not forget fashion! Any discussion of the shopping scene would be truly incomplete if it didn’t delve into our local boutiques. Words can’t do them justice, they have to be experienced to be appreciated. As the evening arrives it is time to show off those perfect outfits you bought just hours earlier. So pull up a chair, order a drink and enjoy the final moments of sunlight before it fades into the skyline. This is the time when visitors are treated to a cornucopia of stimuli for all the senses; the sights, the aromas and the sounds of a city coming to life. Sizzling steaks and ‘Popping’ champagne tell all that it is summer in Saratoga Springs. Street performers entertain the crowds as our local bands tune up for their first set. Party your way into the wee hours of the night and make a few new friends along the way, but make sure to get to bed before dawn, because when the sun comes up it starts all over again!

Enjoy, Chad Beatty

Publisher & Owner of Saratoga TODAY

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AND THEY’RE OFF! Saratoga Race Course

2015 Meet

oted as one of the “Top 10 Sporting Venues In The World”

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

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A GOOD READ

FYI

ADMISSION

Grandstand admission is $5 Clubhouse admission is $8 Patrons entering via the grandstand can pay the $3 exchange to enter the clubhouse area.

TRADITIONS/ COURTESIES/RULES

• It is a long-time race track tradition that you can “reserve” a bench seat with a newspaper or program. We ask that you respect this tradition, but please be aware that our Security Personnel will not intercede in any debate regarding this matter. • Backyard Picnic Tables – another tradition is that anyone coming to the track early (after 7:00 a.m.) can reserve a picnic table by putting their articles on that table (1 table per person). You must then exit the track when the morning breakfast patrons leave, and pay to re-enter at the time the gates open for racing. • After the official opening of the first floor Carousel (11:00 a.m. weekdays, 10:30 a.m. weekends; 7:00 a.m. Travers Day), patrons may “reserve” seating by placing their property on the table. “Reserved” tables not claimed by post time of the 1st race are subject to release.

• Coolers are permitted in the backyard, apron and Top of the Stretch areas only. Coolers are not permitted anywhere inside the building. No glass is permitted to be brought onto the premises. Coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and are subject to search by NYRA Security personnel.

• There is NO SMOKING permitted anywhere inside the building, including the reserved seats, box area, and all dining areas. • Wheelchair Access Areas – there are specially marked areas for wheelchairs only behind Reserved Seat Sections J (in the Clubhouse) and M (in the Grandstand).

• Pop-Up tents and umbrellas are restricted to the backyard area only. They are prohibited on the apron, and by the Paddock. However, if a Pop-Up Tent or Umbrella in the backyard is blocking another patron’s view of a TV monitor, tote board, etc., then the obstruction must be removed.

• Resale of tickets – Tickets may not be resold or offered for resale at a premium in excess of the amount allowed by any Federal, State or local law or regulation; the NYS legislature prohibits any resale of tickets within 1,000 feet of our property line.

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TRACK SERVICES

Binocular Rentals located on the first floor, Clubhouse and Grandstand.

ATM MACHINES

For your convenience, ATM machines are at the following locations: • 1st floor Grandstand near the end mutuel window closest to finish line. • 2nd floor Grandstand opposite the Belmont Grill. • 1st floor Clubhouse adjacent to the Belmont Café. • 2nd floor Clubhouse opposite the Clubhouse elevator. • 3rd floor Clubhouse opposite the Clubhouse escalator. • 4th floor Clubhouse opposite the Turf & Field Room.

FIRST AID

Located on the first floor, Grandstand, behind the Carousel Mini Theatre.

LOST AND FOUND

Located in the Security Office at the west end of in the basement.

RACE REPLAY CENTERS

Located on the 2nd floor of the Clubhouse opposite the escalator and the 2nd floor of the Grandstand opposite the Belmont Grill.

COOLERS

Coolers are permitted on the trackside apron, the Top of the Stretch and backyard picnic area. Coolers are not permitted anywhere inside the building. ALL GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PROHIBITED. Coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and subject to search by NYRA security. *On Travers Day Saturday, August 29th no coolers will be allowed in the clubhouse or on the apron larger than 12-by-18 inches.

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Track Dress Code Please take note of Saratoga’s new and more fan-friendly dress code. PADDOCK SADDLING AREA & WINNER’S CIRCLE: No shorts or abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen–collared shirts required. Box Seat Area: No shorts or jeans permitted. Gentlemen – suits or sports jackets required. TURF TERRACE: Neat Casual Attire, No jeans, shorts or abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen – collared shirts required (Management reserves the right to use its discretion to determine Neat Casual Attire). 26 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

AT THE RAIL PAVILION, THE PORCH, CLUB TERRACE & CAROUSEL RESTAURANT: Gentlemen – No Tank Tops No short-shorts, cut-offs or abbreviated wear permitted. Proper attire at management’s discretion. LUXURY SUITES: No abbreviated wear permitted. Gentlemen - No tank tops Proper attire at management’s discretion. CLUBHOUSE: No short shorts, cut-offs or abbreviated wear permitted. No tank tops. Proper attire at management’s discretion GRANDSTAND: Shirts and shoes required. People 12 years and over must abide by the dress code. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Dining At the Track The Turf Terrace Dining Room is located on the third and fourth floors of the Clubhouse. The multi-level trackside dining area offers a great view of all the racing action overlooking the finish line. An a la carte menu is served in a formal open-air setting. The Club Terrace is located behind the box seat area on the second floor of the Clubhouse, overlooking the backyard & paddock. It offers a popular selection of appetizers, refreshing salads and specialty sandwiches in a casual open-air setting. Television monitors are available for viewing of the races. The Porch is located on the track level of the Clubhouse just a few feet from the outside rail. It offers an a la carte menu in a casual open-air setting. Please go to http://www.nyra.com/saratoga/ or call (518) 584-6200 x 2260 for specific guidelines regarding: Dress Code, Reservations, Seating Charges and the Cancellation Policy regarding any of the dining options mentioned above. Breakfast at Saratoga is a long-standing tradition. Every racing day from 7 to 9:30 a.m., breakfast is served on The Porch of the Clubhouse while the Thoroughbreds prepare for future races. Mary Ryan, a lifelong horsewoman, provides expert commentary for the workouts. Admission to breakfast is free with the exception of Travers Day when a $10 Clubhouse admission fee is required. Dress code is casual attire, trackside parking is $10, but refundable if you leave by 10 am. The Breakfast Buffet is $8 per person, weekdays and 10 per person weekends plus tax and gratuity. One of the highlights of the breakfast program is the free walking tour of our famous and historic stable area (weather permitting). The first tram that takes you to the stable area leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at 7:30 a.m. with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at around 9:00 a.m. (The Tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day)

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Facts 40 DAYS

July 24 to September 7 Excluding Dark Tuesdays

POST TIMES: 1 P.M. DAILY

except: 11:35 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 29 12:30 p.m. on Monday, September 7 – Labor Day

INFORMATION

For information prior to the meet please phone (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000. For information during the 2015 Saratoga meet (July 24 to September 7) please call (518) 584-6200.

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

is a 350-acre racetrack in Saratoga Springs NY. The 2015 meeting will be 40 days long from Friday, July 24 to Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Saratoga is the home of the 146th Running of the Travers Stakes on August 29.

MAIN COURSE:

1 1/8 Miles

TURF COURSE:

1 Mile

STEEPLECHASE/ INNER TURF:

GENERAL PARKING:

Free

TRACKSIDE PARKING

$12. Gates open at 6:45a.m.  (Refunds available until 10 a.m. No refunds on Travers Day Saturday, August 24)

PREFERRED PARKING:

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

7/8 Mile

ATTENDANCE CAPACITY:

50,000

TRACKSIDE DINING:

2,200

Getting Around

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TOTAL SEATING CAPACITY:

18,000, including picnic tables and benches.

(Aerial view from Union Avenue)

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OKLAHOMA TOURS Exclusive tours of the Oklahoma Training Track Find out why this beautiful and historic site, located across the street from Saratoga Race Course, is a favorite base for leading trainers such as Todd Pletcher and Nick Zito. Our behind the scenes tours, offered in cooperation with the New York Racing Association, are available from June to October. This walking tour covers approximately 1 mile and lasts for 1.5 hours. The cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. This price includes admission to the Museum after the tour. Sturdy walking shoes are suggested! For insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. (No children in backpacks or strollers.)

Oklahoma Tours are scheduled for Saturdays only through October 30, 2015. During the six-week race meet, July 24 September 7, 2015, tours are offered by reservation Monday and Wednesday-Sunday* (No tours on Friday August 7, Hall Of Fame Induction Day or Travers weekend, August 29-30). We offer one tour a day and the tour begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and leaves from the Museum parking lot. Reservations are required. Space is limited! All reservations must be received by 4:00 p.m. the day before the tour. You will receive phone confirmation of your reservation. (Make sure you leave a phone number where you can be reached from 9am till 5pm.) For questions or reservations, please call the Education Department at 518-584-0400, extension 120, or email nmredu2@racingmuseum.net

photo by Susie Raisher

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Photo by Sharon Castro

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BASIC PHYSICAL DATA OF SARATOGA RACE COURSE Area of Site NYRA Parking Capacity Main Course Turf Course Steeplechase Course— Inner Turf Course Oklahoma Course Turf & Steeplechase Course Clare Court Course 5 CCTV Race Patrol Camera Towers—40’ high Chartered and Tour Bus Parking

GROUNDS

G R A N D STA N D

Length Depth (Varies) Height (Clubhouse) Height (Grandstand) Floor Area

STA B L E A R E A

Stabling Capacity Dormitory Capacity (489 Rooms) Barns

350 acres 6,000 cars 1 1/8 miles 1 mile 7/8 mile 1 mile 7/8 mile 1/2 mile

1,305 feet 150 feet 4 Stories 2 Stories 385,000 sq. ft. 1,830 Stalls 1,025 Personnel 91

FAC I L I T I E S P R OV I D E D

Attendance Capacity Park Area (Added)

70,000 25,000 Estimated

Trackside Dining Other Dining Total Seating Capacity (including picnic tables and benches) Closed-Circuit TV Monitors (Public) Kitchens Dining Areas Toilets Elevators Escalators Pari-Mutuel Windows Ambulances Hospital First Aid Room

2,170 1,600 18,000 1,000+ 4 7 23 5 6 700+ 1 5 beds 4

S A R AT O G A O N - T R AC K R E C O R D S

One-Day Attendance One-Day Handle Track Attendance Average daily attendance Meeting handle (includes downstate) Average daily handle Opening Day in July Opening Day in August One-week attendance One-week handle Largest weekday crowd Largest weekday handle 32 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

72,745 on August 11, 2007 $10,614,786 August 23, 2003 (Travers Day) 1,049,309 in 2003 29,147 in 2003 $140,277,616 in 2011 $3,742,773 in 1993 32,913 on July 24, 2002 30,658 on August 2, 1989 195,987 (Fourth week in 2003) $25,989,156 (Third week in 1990) 34,287 on August 17, 1983 $4,392,683 on August 18, 1989 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

NEW THIS YEAR!

Enhanced Travers Day, Whitney Festival & Top Saratoga Stakes Schedule PHOTO BY BERNARD BARUCH INFORMATION PROVIDED

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wo of the biggest days in North American racing will highlight the historic 147th meet at Saratoga Race Course this summer, with the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers the centerpiece of a supercharged Travers Day and the Grade 1, $1.25 million Whitney anchoring five stakes on Whitney Festival Day, Saturday, August 8. The 40-day meet, which includes 69 stakes worth a record $18.7 million in purses, will run from Friday, July 24, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. After opening weekend, racing will be conducted six days a week, Wednesdays through Mondays. Joining the 146th running of the MidSummer Derby for 3-year-olds on Saturday, August 29 will be five other Grade 1 stakes, including the 1 ½-mile Sword Dancer Invitational on the turf, whose purse has been enhanced to $1 million. Also added to the card and receiving purse hikes are the $750,000, 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign for fillies and mares and the $700,000 Forego at seven furlongs. Rounding out the stellar card are the $500,000 Ballerina for fillies and

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mares and the $500,000 King’s Bishop, both at seven furlongs, and the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares. “We have made improvements to Travers Day to keep in line with the creation of our ‘mustsee’ events,” said Martin Panza, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations for the New York Racing Association. “We are developing Travers Day into a national event - a mini Breeders’ Cup - by increasing the purses for the Personal Ensign and the Forego. By including the Sword Dancer and raising the purse to $1 million we hope to create international involvement in that race.” The prestigious 1 1/8-mile Whitney will pair with the Grade 1, $500,000 Test for 3-yearold fillies atop the festival card, which also offers the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya for turf fillies and mares going 1 1/2 miles. Also on August 8 are two additional turf stakes: the $100,000 Lure at 1 1/16 miles and the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose at a mile for fillies and mares. The traditional local prep for the Travers, the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy, will be held on Saturday, August 1.

Additions to the Spa stakes schedule include the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green at 1 3/8 miles on the turf on Saturday, August 1, which will serve as a prep for the Sword Dancer, and two new juvenile turf stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs: the $100,000 Bolton Landing for fillies on Wednesday, August 19, and the $100,000 Schenectady on Friday, August 21. “Both of these 2-year-old turf stakes were created with a look ahead to the Breeders’ Cup,” said Panza. A prelude to the Travers will be New York Breeders’ Showcase Day, which will be moved to Friday, August 28, instead of on Sunday. The popular state-bred card will include six stakes, highlighted by the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles. Opening Day, Friday, July 24 will kick off with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies and the Grade 3, $200,000 Lake George for 3-year-old turf fillies. Continuing the traditional juvenile dirt stakes are the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford on Saturday, July 25; the Grade 2, $200,000 Toyota Saratoga Special on Sunday, August 16 and the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful on Monday, September 7, saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

along with their sister races: the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack on Saturday, August 15 and the Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway on Saturday, September 5. Grade 1 action commences with the $500,000 TVG Diana for turf fillies and mares on Saturday, July 25, and the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on Sunday, July 26. Continuing the world-class Grade 1 offerings are the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap for sprinters on Saturday, August 1; the aforementioned Whitney and Test on August 8; the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama on Saturday, August 22, and the Travers, Sword Dancer, Personal Ensign, Forego, Ballerina and King’s Bishop on Saturday, August 29. Closing weekend Grade 1 features include the $600,000 Woodward for 3-year-olds and up and the Spinaway on Saturday, September 5, along with the Hopeful on Monday, September 7.

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SARATOGA POLO Association saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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n Friday July 10, 2015 Saratoga WarHorse Foundation will kick off the summer season with the “Battle of Saratoga” featuring Army vs Navy polo match, on the fields of Saratoga Polo Association. Charles V. Wait, Honorary Chair, announced this one of a kind match; as the City of Saratoga Springs celebrates its centennial. Festivities will begin at 4:30 in the VIP tent; with the match following at 5:30. This event features an Equestrian Exhibition, including jumping and dressage by riders from West Point and the community. The party, in the tent, will continue into the evening with music and gastronomical delights befitting a day at the field. Saratoga WarHorse program enables military veterans, struggling with PTS, and retired thoroughbred racehorses to chart their future, and transition to their next career. This past year, over 200 veterans graduated from the WarHorse program. Graduates describe the program as life-affirming and a critical step in moving forward. Our goal for 2015 is to double the number of military veterans served and also increase the number of retired racehorses repurposed and trained for the program.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact Saratoga WarHorse at 518-321-3033.

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2015

THE 2015 SEASON

Join us as we celebrate our 117th Anniversary! JULY 10

Saratoga WarHorse Foundation presents the Adirondack Trust Celebrate Saratoga Cup

JULY 12

The Celebrate Saratoga Cup Finals

JULY 17

The Mid Summer Celebration Tournament

JULY 19

The Mid Summer Celebration Tournament Finals

JULY 24

The Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge Tournament

JULY 26

The Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge Tournament finals

JULY 31

The Times-Union presents the Saratoga Centennial Cup Tournament

AUGUST 2

The Times Union presents the Saratoga Centennial Cup Tournament Finals

AUGUST 7

The Whitney Cup

AUGUST 9

The Whitney Cup Finals

AUGUST 14

The Barrantes Cup Tournament

AUGUST 16

The Barrantes Cup Tournament Finals

AUGUST 21

The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament

AUGUST 23

The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament Finals

AUGUST 28

The Polo Hall of Fame Challenge Cup

AUGUST 30

The The Polo Hall of Fame Challenge Cup Finals

SEPTEMBER 4

The SPA Anniversary Cup Tournament

SEPTEMBER 6

The SPA Anniversary Cup Tournament Finals MATCHES ARE FRIDAY AND SUNDAY JULY 10 – LABOR DAY. MATCHES BEGIN AT 5:30PM. GATES OPEN AT 4:00PM

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Sunny Hale

WOMEN’S WEEK

This year, Saratoga Polo welcomes back Sunny Hale, the highest rated women’s polo player in history to The Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge along side some of the top women polo players on July 24th and July 26th, to bring more excitement to Whitney Field.

or fans of Saratoga Polo, The Women’s Week Tournament featuring the Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge have become the must see matches of the whole summer. Last year, Sunny Hale lead her team to victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd that seemed to wish away rainy skies to finish off the season. On July 20, 2012 Sunny also went head to head with a feisty upcoming star, Tiffany Busch, in what some people have called “The Greatest Women’s Polo Match Ever” where The Asperion Group Polo, battled the Las Vinas Team. In overtime, Las Vinas narrowly defeated Asperion 8-7. Sunny Hale is now an acclaimed author, debuting the book “Let’s Talk Polo” to her already storied career.

Photo by Bill Barbosa

Besides being the founder of the American Polo Horse Association, she is currently the highest rated woman polo player in America at 3 Goals, the first woman in history to win the US Open Polo Championship (the most prestigious and highest level polo tournament played in the United States), attained the highest rating ever given to a woman (in the history of the sport) of 5 Goals, after winning the US Open Polo Championship with Outback Steakhouse Polo Team in 2000 (Team owner- Tim Gannon, teammates; Adolfo Cambiaso, Lolo Castagnola, Phil Heatley). If you want some perspective, these ratings are the equivalent of a woman playing as a professional on the winning team in the NFL, the World Series or NBA Championships. Jim Rossi, Managing Partner of Saratoga Polo looks at this opportunity with excitement and satisfaction, “Saratoga Polo was one of the first polo clubs to present a major women’s tournament. With the help of sponsors like Veuve Clicquot, we are proud to bring this fastest growing part of the sport to the Saratoga Springs destination.” Rossi continued, “The Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge is one of the top women’s tournaments in the United States.” As a salute to the tradition started during the Napoleonic Wars by Madame Clicquot, guests at the Clubhouse will get a chance to sabre a bottle of champagne with a sword guided by our sabrage experts. Women’s Week featuring the Veuve Clicquot Women’s Challenge public matches will be on Friday, July 24th and Sunday, July 26th at Saratoga Polo Association’s Whitney Field at 5:30pm, with the gates opening at 4pm. To purchase tickets, or for more information, go to Saratogapolo.com, or call (518) 584-8108.

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“

If you want some perspective, these ratings are the equivalent of a woman playing as a professional on the winning team in the NFL

”

Sunny Hale Biography Founder of the Women’s Championship Tournament (WCT) (Largest women’s polo tournament series in the world) Countries Played in: USA ; Jamaica ; France ; Switzerland; Mexico; Argentina ; Singapore ; England ; Canada ; Malaysia • Partial list of prestigious Polo Tournaments won: • US Open Championship (26 Goal-OutbackSteakhouse 2000)  • CV Whitney (26 Goal - Lechuza Caracas 1999) • Polo Hall of Fame Cup (22 Goal-Outback Steakhouse 2000)  • Ylvisaker Cup (22 Goal - La Dolfina / Newbridge 2006)  • Sterling Cup (22 Goal - Calumet 1995)  • Texas Open (20 Goal - Bob Moore Auto Group 1997)  • Robert Skene Trophy (20 Goal - Goshen 1999)  • International Challenge Cup (16 Goal- Sympatico)  • US Women’s Open (1990 - Empire / 2011 - Goose Creek)  • WCT Finals (multiple wins)  • Argentine Women’s Open (1999) • Don King Days (2006: 4-6 Goal “Mindful”) Toughest tournament in the Northwest....two girls on the team! Member of United States Polo Association (USPA) since 1979  *USPA Women’s Tournament Committee Chairman  *USPA Equine Welfare committee member  *USPA Governor at Large

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Saratoga Springs Polo

HISTORY

hroughout the years, polo luminaries ranging from an iconic line of Whitneys and Vanderbilts furiously battled with iconic American polo enthusiasts such as the Ingleharts and Bostwicks. In the midst of the Twentieth Century, the Whitney Field lay dormant until being revived in 1978 by polo legend Tommy Glynn. Throughout the following years, players such as Peter Brant, Hector Barrantes and William Yvlisaker brought polo to a new modern era in Saratoga. In 1994, Tony DePaula, Bob Bailey, George Hearst III, with Linda and David Mansfield purchased the Polo Club, laying the groundwork for the popularity it hosts today with its new owners, Mike Bucci and Jim Rossi.

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In 2004, these new owners purchased the club and besides making polo more accessible to a broader audience, they increased its visibility with major partners that include Veuve Clicquot Champagne as sponsors of one of the largest women’s tournaments in the United States. In 2008, plans were approved for construction of the spectacular Saratoga Retreat that will include luxury accommodations, private residences, an event hall and exclusive spa. In 2012, the Saratoga Polo brand reached a new level by the announcement of a partnership with national apparel sponsor U.S. POLO ASSN. In the 115 years that has passed since the first polo players graced Whitney Field, much has changed in the world, but the tradition of Saratoga Polo lives on, finding an endearing place in Saratoga, and now reaches fans across the country, and the world.

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Erykah Badu

SARATOGA Performing Arts Center

Photo by Paul Kolnik

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It’s time once again to revel in the sounds of summer as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) comes to life with a wondrous new season. For nearly 50 summers, SPAC has filled summer nights with some of the best music and dance in the world to stimulate the senses and galvanize the spirit. It is in this perfect setting that resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center spend their creative summers. And it is in these ideal surroundings that the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival and modern dance programs have flourished, and the National Ballet of China will hold its Saratoga debut in another spectacle that audiences from across the country are sure to enjoy.

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FREIHOFER’S SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL, JUNE 27-28 The Northeast’s hottest and most affordable jazz festival hosts a dynamic, star-studded celebration with over extraordinary 20 artists on two stages. This year’s lineup includes the “Queen of Neo-Soul,” four-time GRAMMY Award-winner Erykah Badu; Cassandra Wilson, “America’s Best Singer” according to Time magazine in 2001, performing hits made famous by jazz legend Billie Holiday; collaborative percussionist Sheila E; and GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride with his Big Band. Saturday, June 27: Maze feat. Frankie Beverly, Cassandra Wilson, Al Di Meola, Christian McBride, Pedrito Martinez Group, Monty Alexander Harlem-Kingston Express, Theo Croker, Steve Wilson Wilsonian’s Grain featuring Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo & Bill Stewart, Duchess featuring Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner & Melissa Stylianou, Omer Avital Quintet featuring Eli Degibri, Joel Frahm, Yonathan Avishai & Johnathan Blake, Mike LeDonne Groover Quartet featuring Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein & Joe Farnsworth Sunday, June 28: Erykah Badu, Sheila E, Snarky Puppy, Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters, Heads of State featuring Gary Bartz, Larry Willis, Buster Williams & Al Foster, Django Festival All-Stars featuring Samson Schmitt, Ludovic Beier & Pierre Blanchard, Etienne Charles, Benny Green Trio with David Wong & Rodney Green, Kellylee Evans, Yosvany Terry Quartet featuring Osmany Paredes, Yunior Terry & Obed Calvaire, Sonny Knight & The Lakers

Cassandra Wilson photo by Mark Seliger

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NEW YORK CITY BALLET, JULY 7-18 NYCB brings 17 breathtaking ballets to its summer home in a two-week season featuring four Saratoga premieres, including Peter Martins’ long-dreamed staging of August Bournonville’s classic La Sylphide by the Company. Other highlights of the program include the Saratoga premiere of NYCB Resident Choreographer Justin Peck’s acclaimed new work ‘Rōdē,ō: Four Dance Episodes; the Saratoga premieres of Peck’s Belles-Lettres and Alexei Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition during the annual Ballet Gala: The Empire Ball; and the return of Saratoga favorites including Robbins’ The Goldberg Variations and Balanchine’s La Valse. Popular pre-show American Girl® Night returns on July 15.

Stephane Deneve

Photo by Paul Kolnik Yo-Yo Ma Photo by Jeremy Cowart

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA, AUG 5-22 A stellar lineup of soloists and preeminent conductors join the world-class musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra for another spectacular summer in Saratoga. Highlights of the season include Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters performing on Opening Night; the final week’s performances, all conducted by The Philadelphia Orchestra’s beloved Music Director, Yannick NézetSéguin; the multimedia presentation Pixar in Concert, featuring clips from Wall-E, UP!, Toy Story and more with live accompaniment; classical superstars including Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell and Johannes Moser; and a Pops performance with stage and screen darling Megan Hilty. Conducting luminaries Bramwell Tovey, Cristian Măcelaru, Steven Reineke and Stéphane Denève will share the podium with Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 50 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

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Arnaud Sussmann photo by Matt Dine

THE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER AT SPAC, AUG 9-25 The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, led by inspired and acclaimed Co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han, presents a diverse selection of delights in its second annual residency at SPAC. CMS’s roster of heralded musicians including violinists Richard O’Neill and Arnaud Sussmann, cellist Matthew Lipman, and the Escher String Quartet will fill and thrill the Little Theatre during the three-week festival. Six diverse programs feature masterpieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mendelssohn along with modern delights and surprises beyond the usual chamber repertoire

Bob Cohen

SARATOGA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL AND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE, SEPT 11-13 Guests enjoy epicurean delights, spirits, and fine international wines in SPAC’s gorgeous setting at the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival and Concours d’Elegance. One of the nation’s fastest-growing wine and food festivals, the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival centerpiece is the Saturday Grand Tasting, with Friday evening’s grilling competition Fired Up! and Sunday’s Jazz Brunch providing an exceptional culinary experience all weekend long. Luxury automobile fans will appreciate classic and new models during Saturday’s Concours d’Elegance and Friday’s Adirondack Road Tour. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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The National Ballet of China

©NationalBalletofChina

Members of the National Ballet of China perform scenes from The Peony Pavilion

he National Ballet of China, a beloved national symbol in its homeland and an iconic cultural emissary to the global community, will perform at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) July 21 and 22, touted as “an accomplishment and a gift to our audiences” by SPAC President & Executive Director Marcia J. White. Accompanied by The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra, the company’s SPAC engagement will feature the Saratoga premiere of The Peony Pavilion, the internationally-acclaimed adaptation of a classic Chinese romantic tale.

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“Perhaps best known to American audiences as the dance company which performed for President Nixon on his historic visit to China in 1972, The National Ballet of China has achieved a well-earned reputation as a truly world-class dance company,” said Ms. White. “The company is distinguished by its spectacular performances of imaginative new ballets and phenomenal interpretations of traditional masterworks from the classical repertoire.” “Its unique style, imbuing characteristics of its Russian training and techniques picked up from Western counterparts with a distinctly Chinese flair, presents an unforgettable spectacle to its audiences. The National Ballet of China’s engagement at SPAC this year is a landmark occasion for SPAC and the Capital Region community to enjoy,” added Ms. White.

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Founded in December 1959, The National Ballet of China fuses classical and modern styles to present works bearing its distinct national characteristics. Schooled in the Russian tradition, the company is known worldwide for its adaptations of Western classics including Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and Giselle, as well as original ballets including The Red Detachment of Women, Raise the Red Lantern, and The Peony Pavilion. As a dance company renowned for the quality of its performances on the international stage, The National Ballet of China serves as a cultural envoy from the Chinese people to the world. Set against a diverse score incorporating influences of Debussy, Ravel, Holst, and Prokofiev, The Peony Pavilion features a classic Chinese story of young romance and the obstacles its protagonists face in achieving happiness through love, in a tale reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. A young woman is consumed by grief as she dreams of a man she knows she will never find, but the strength of her passion struggles to unite them by overcoming the power of death. Featuring incredible dancers, beautiful costumes, and stunning sets, The Peony Pavilion has delighted audiences around the world with its emotive imagery and exquisite production.

©NationalBalletofChina

“Sparked by the massive audience response to last year’s Bolshoi Ballet engagement, which dazzled audiences with its breathtaking athleticism and technique, in 2015 SPAC continues to bring innovative international programming to our stage through this engagement with The National Ballet of China. We are especially pleased with the variety of dance programming we will offer our audiences this summer, with the celebrated National Ballet of China and Lar Lubovitch Dance Company joining our heralded resident company New York City Ballet during a spectacular summer of music and dance here in Saratoga,” added Ms. White. ©NationalBalletofChina ©LiuYang

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Sweet Success

PHOTOS & STORY BY BRIANNA MELANSON

Broadway Kettle Korn is already 15 years old and owner Cameron Asay still loves the round popcorn’s sweet and salty taste. In 2000, Cameron at age 15 and his sister, Gabrielle, only 12, got a business loan from their parents, after being inspired by kettle corn stands at fairs and festivals, to make their own. The man who sold the equipment trained them how to use it and make the delicious popcorn. They caught on quick and halfway through the sibling’s first summer, they needed extra help at the stand as a result of their success. Today, Cameron has 1-4 (five gets too crowded) teenagers selling and cooking the popcorn under the blue tent while he does the ordering, making sure it is all highquality. He has no desire to move to another location or expand on Broadway despite weather conditions. They won’t open in temperatures below 25 degrees. Cameron reasoned, “It’s kinda nice, you know. It’s not trying to be more than a little popcorn stand.” It’s settled and running smoothly in front of his parent’s hotel, The Downtowner, set up there originally as a babysitting technique, where Cameron is also the operations manager. He still laughs at how popular his little stand is. Last year, Broadway Kettle Korn sold just under 400 pounds at the Victorian Streetwalk. 400! This celebration was also where Cameron received his business’s best compliment: “We had a kid who said he stood in the Kettle Korn line instead of going to see Santa.” There doesn’t have to be an event going on to get your kettle corn fix. For the summer, the stand is open Thursday through Saturday 3-9PM and Sundays 1-5PM. If you can’t get there during those hours, there are always bags available for purchase in the lobby of The Downtowner. You can snack on a small for $4 or devour a large for $6. And right in time for wedding season, Cameron’s been taking orders for popcorn wedding favors! Cameron Asay can confidently say Broadway Kettle Korn is staying an established part of the Broadway seen. 54 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

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Art Out

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY MARK BOLLES

trolling down the sidewalks in Saratoga has been a tradition since the turn of the century, but this summer it may seem more like meandering through the streets of New Orleans than upstate New York. At least, that’s the vibe artist Frankie Flores is hoping to inspire! Influenced by the vibrant intensity of the jazz scene in the South, he is recreating the feel of the small outdoor gallery tucked away in a neat little courtyard, with the opening of the Artist’s Market in mid-July. Artists will produce work on-site to the sounds of live musicians. “Music and art, to me, always come together as one,” said Flores. Famous for capturing the passions of energetic pursuits, what is there in his paintings of musicians is also evident in his equine art. Flores’ work features bright contrasting colors and thick strokes of paint layered on the canvas. The powerful muscles of the horses mid-race, their intentional gaze, and the potency of their effort, is communicated through the vantage point of the artist as well as his choice to paint them in brilliant shades of pinks and blues.

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“We want people walking by to see it and gravitate towards it,” said Flores. Passers-by are invited to watch and listen to the artists, while also perusing the pieces for sale. The seasonal outdoor gallery, located in the space behind the building on Maple Avenue formally occupied by the Metro (and more recently Javier’s,) connects to the artists’ indoor galleries, including the AMP Gallery located in The Marketplace, as well. Flores will be reintroducing his grey series, his primitive series and his large, detailed work featuring 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh. His original pieces range in price from $4,800 to $8,500. Museum quality prints that span the spectrum of his work are priced from $40 to $150. Frankie Flores joins artists including Rachel Durland, Celeste Susany, Rebecca Kane, Sharon Castro, Erik Laffer, Nancy Magnell, and Elisa Coakley-Koch to create a temporary art experience for the people in Saratoga that may become a yearly happening. “In the true nature of people gravitating toward art, we can gage its success,” said Flores. To learn more about the Artist’s Market and art by Frankie Flores go to floresartnewyork. com/, floresart7.com/ or call 518-791-2090.

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SARATOGA FARMERS’ MARKET SETS UP TWICE A WEEK, FROM MAY TO OCTOBER Wednesday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. under the pavilions in High Rock Park, on the edge of downtown Saratoga Springs just east of the City Center.

Saratoga Farmers’ Market was voted #1 favorite market in New York State in 2012, the second year in a row it’s won that award. The Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market is a great yearround place to find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade baked goods, local meat and dairy products and so much more. The market started in 1978 as a small group of vendors in a parking lot and has since grown to more than 50 vendors. Last year, the market was named the best in the state for medium-sized markets, and second-best in the country! Supporting local business is very important to the communities in Saratoga County, something that is especially true of the local farmers’ market. All of the vendors and their products must be produced locally (from within Saratoga, Schenectady, Washington and Rensselaer counties). As is 58 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

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stated on the market’s website, this means that when you shop at the market, you are buying unique products and supporting our community and our economy. The only exception to the “only local” rule is fresh Long Island-caught fish. From May to October, the farmers’ market is outdoors on High Rock Ave. in downtown Saratoga Springs. Shop outdoors and under the High Rock pavilion two days a week: on Wednesday from 3-6 p.m. and then Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You’ll find an incredible assortment of fruits, vegetables, herbs, locally-made dressings, jams, sauces, crafts, baked goods and dairy products in addition to local plants for your garden. There’s nothing better than fresh local veggies in the winter–here, in Saratoga Springs, you can taste that freshness all year-long! From November to April, the farmers’ market moves indoors to Lincoln Bath in Saratoga Springs State Park. The market is open each Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The winter market is famous for its variety. You’ll find organically-grown winter veggies (including salad greens and tomatoes), meat, fish, cheese, yogurt, milk, honey, jam, pickles, organic soaps and much, much more! Plus, vendors offer ready-made foods so you can enjoy a breakfast sandwich or cider doughnut while you shop. There’s much more to the Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market experience than grocery shopping. This lively market is also a great place to meet friends, connect with your community and enjoy entertainment and family-friendly events. From chef demonstrations to live music, there’s always something fun happening at the market. Stop by and check it out! For more information, visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org. Plus, check out Saratoga TODAY’s food page each week for recipes straight from the farmers’ market.

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Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market The village of Ballston Spa has a thriving downtown with a fabulous year-round market. From June through September, the market is held outdoors in Wiswall Park (corner of Front and Low streets) on Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and then Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon. From October through May, the market moves indoors at 50 West High Street (Cornell Cooperative Extension) one Saturday per month. For details, visit www.localharvest.org. Sponsored by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, the market boasts a great variety of products and vendors that highlight our region’s agricultural offerings. You’ll find local produce, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, bedding plants, herbs, fall mums, houseplants, dish and desert gardens, fresh cut flower bouquets, locally raised meat, pastured chicken, farm fresh eggs, maple syrup, honey, jams, garlic spreads, gourmet cheese spreads, stone ground flours, sprouts, local wines, culinary lavender and specialty foods like custom blended herb and spice mixes, mustards, granolas, hummus, and imported olive oil. The market also features a large assortment of baked goods including pies, cookies, cupcakes, crackers, bread, and pastries, as well as handcrafted items like custom embroidery, jewelry, candles, soap and fair trade items. What’s more, the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market offers live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the summer. For more information and great local recipes, visit www.localharvest.org.

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AREA FARMERS' MARKETS Clifton Park The Saratoga Springs Farmers’ Market extends to Clifton Park from July–October. You’ll find the same level of quality and exceptional local products at the Clifton Park Market held Thursday from 2–5 p.m. in the parking lot of St. George’s Church, which is located at 912 Route 146 (just one mile west of Northway Exit 9). For details, follow on Facebook or the shared website, www.saratogafarmersmarket.org

Malta Managed by Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association, the Malta Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., from June through October along Route 9 next to the Malta Community Center. Exact details of this year’s opening date and parking will be announced on the market’s Facebook page and the shared website, www.saratogafarmersmarket.org.

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Spa City Farmers Market Spa State Park Sunday 10-3 Year round Lincoln Bath Tuesday (May-Spetember) 3-6 National Museum of Dance www.Spacityfarmersmarket.com

Greenfield Farmers’ Market Runs every Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. in Middle Grove Park on Middle Grove Road, through the second week in September.The market will feature a blend of products you would expect to find at a Farmers Market including many fresh organic vegetables and produce, honeys, maple syrups, fresh eggs, specialty olive oils and spices, fresh fruits, baked goods and home-made pickles. On site will also be Euro-Delicacies, which specializes in Greek and Turkish prepared meals, and Pa’s Pistols Hot Dogs. You can get your Friday dinner right at the Market and bring it home to the family! “The Greenfield Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop, it’s a Friday night gathering place for the community,” said Louise Okoniewski, President of the Town of Greenfield Historical Society. For more information and weekly updates send a request to Ron Deutsch at mkd67@aol.com or visit greenfieldhistoricalsociety.com/farmers-market.html

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LOCALS’ PICKS... Thanks for these suggestions from our readers on Facebook!

Favorite Spots

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an other th k! The Trac

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FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW!

FREEBIES

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

EVENTS All American July 4th Celebration

saratogasjuly4th.com

Hats Off Festival (7/24 & 7/25)

Travers Week Festival (8/23 - 8/30)

Final Stretch Festival (9/5 & 9/6)

Theater

Shakespeare in the Park, Congress Park, July 21- Aug. 2 Tues.-Sat. 6 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m. Donations appreciated. SaratogaShakespeare.com

LIVE (FREE!) MUSIC The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau will be presenting the Visitor Center free summer concert series... (SaratogaSpringsVisitor Center.com

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

Sundays in July: the popular

“Jazz in July” concerts will once again be conducted every Sunday evening at the War Memorial from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM as follows: • July 5 Terry Gordon Quintet – straight on masters of the jazz tradition • July 12 Matt Niedbalski Quintet – smooth jazz fusion & original compositions • July 19 Hot Club of Saratoga – Gypsy swing in the spirit of Django Reinhardt • July 26 Sonny & Perley well-loved American & Internationalsongbook standards

Tuesdays in August: In August, “Dark Days/Starry Nights” will be presented on Tuesday evenings at the War Memorial from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM as follows: • August 4- Jocamo – the unparalleled funk fusion explosion • August 11- Betsy and the Byegones – sounds and sights of the sixties era • August 18- TBA • August 25- TBA

PICK-YOUR-OWN-FRUIT

Winney’s Farm 113 Winney Dr. Schuylerville (518) 695- 5547

FASIG-TIPTON

The grounds are open to the public, so grab a table in the courtyard, have a (very reasonably priced) bite at the concession stand and then walk around and pick out which horse you’ll be plunking down millions for. (Auctions held Monday 8/10 and Tuesday 8/11)

Tuesdays in August:

John Seymour

12 noon. Saratoga National Historical Park (Battlefield) Revolutionary War period music. Bagged lunches are welcome.

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SaratogaPhotographer.com

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TAKE THE TRAIN... FOR FUN!

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

Saratoga & North Creek Railway 26 Station Ln Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 www.sncrr.com (877) 726-7245 Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or crave adventure, the Saratoga & North Creek Railway can connect you to fun outdoor adventure in and around the Adirondacks. The 9 stops include North Creek, Riparius Riverside, The Glen, Glen Hudson, Thurman, Stony Creek, Hadley Luzerne, Corinth, and Saratoga Springs. Saratoga Dinner Train Departs Saratoga Springs at 6:30PM 7/28/2015- 8/25/2015 Looking for a unique and romantic dining experience on “Dark Tuesdays” this summer? Come ride the Saratoga Dinner Trains. With departures each Tuesday during track season, these trains offer gourmet dining and amazing sunset views from SNCR’s vintage dome cars. Offering full bar service and new menus each week, the Saratoga Dinner trains are the best seats in the house! Our chef can accommodate special dietary needs. Advance notice is required

BREAKFAST AT THE TRACK

VICTORIA POOL

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

Photos from “Save the Victoria Pool Society”

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Photo by Samantha Decker

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DUDE RANCHES 1000 Acres Ranch Resort 465 Warrensburg Rd Stony Creek, NY www.100acres.com (518) 668-2444 Ridin- Hy Ranch 95 N Sherman Lake Rd Warrensburg, NY www.ridinhy.com (518)494-2742 Roaring Brook Ranch & Tennis Resort 2206 NY-9N Lake George, NY www.roaringbrookranch.com (518) 668-5767

COUNTY FAIRS

To really appreciate the label of “The City in the Country,” you need to wander out a little. What better way to check out the countryside than by going to any of the wonderful country fairs in the area? Saratoga County Fair July 21-26 SaratogaCountyFair.org (518) 885-9701 Altamont Fair August 11-16 AltamontFair.com (518) 861-6671 Washington County Fair August 24-30 WashingtonCountyFair.com (518) 692- 2464 Schaghiticoke Fair September 2-7, SchaghticokeFair.com (518) 753-4411

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DAY TRIPS

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

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

WALKING TOURS

An extensive and educational walking tour of the State Park mineral waters is available and may be booked by contacting the Roosevelt Bath House The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau will offer the Heritage Area Visitor Center guided walking tours of Congress Park “History, Legend and Lore: Two Hundred Years of History in 90 Minutes” -- the popular stroll through Congress Park highlighting the history and personalities that have made Saratoga Springs the city that it is today. This year, the walking tours will be offered on Tuesday and ThursdaySaturday at 10:30 AM beginning July 7th through mid-September. Tours leave from the Visitor Center, 297 Broadway at the corner of Congress Street and Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, directly across from Congress Park. Tickets are $5.00. Children under 12 years are free. Please call 587-3241.

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GOT KIDS?

PARKS AND PLAYGORUNDS

Stroller-frie ndly? Infant Swin gs? Bathrooms?

605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort

Downtown Saratoga Springs

Located just minutes off of Northway exit 17S is Moreau Lake State Park. The main attraction here on those hot summer days is the beach, but that’s not all this park has to offer. With wonderful picnic areas, a playground, hiking trails, camp sites, boating, fishing and more, Moreau Lake State Park is well worth a visit. Admission to the park (during summer months) is $8 per vehicle. Best bet is to carpool with friends if you can.

Congress Park is a gorgeous and historic park in the middle of downtown Saratoga. I love having a park like this in the middle of downtown because it’s fun to grab food or ice cream and head to the park for some people-watching on a nice day. With duck ponds, grassy meadows, historic landmarks and a wooden carousel (which opens for the season in mid May), Congress Park is a great meeting place, picnic spot, or people-watching destination. In July and August, Congress Park is home to live music concerts, arts and crafts festivals, and other special events.

Saratoga Spa State Park

At-a-G

19 Roosevelt Dr. , Saratoga

lance

Strollerfr Infant S iendly? ☑ wings? Bathro ☐ oms?

☑

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

☑ ☑ ☑

Gavin Park

10 Lewis Rd., Wilton Gavin Park is a huge complex with well-maintained fields, courts, pavilions, a gymnasium and a nice playground. There’s tons of parking, bathrooms, and the pavilion right near the playground has vending machines for soft drinks. The playground equipment is very nice and fairly new, there are swings, a sandbox, and a few different playground options for kids of all ages. Gavin Park offers a wide variety of sports and activities for kids throughout the year. Check out townofwilton.com/gavin-park for details on the programs offered. 68 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

☑ ☐ ☑

Moreau Lake State Park

Congress Park

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

At-a-Glanc

Saratoga Spa State Park is a park to enjoy during all four seasons. The State Park offers a wide variety of walking and hiking trails, streams, a geyser, picnic pavilions, two pool complexes, a golf course, biking trails, snowshoe/cross-country ski trails, ice skating, and lots more. There is an $8 vehicle fee to enter the actual park during the summer, but it’s always free to get into the entrance at the Avenue of the Pines. Trail maps are available at the Park Office. Dogs are allowed on trails on leash only. You can also purchase an Empire Passport which gets you into just about any NYS park including Saratoga Spa State Park for free. The pass costs $65 and is good until March 31, 2016.

nce At-a-Glaly? ☑ iend Stroller-fr s? ing Infant Sw ms? Bathroo

☑ ☑

Burgess-Kimball Memorial Park Ralph Street, Ballston Spa

The Burgess-Kimball Memorial Park is located in Milton on Rowland Street just south of Geyser Road. There’s a large (and very high!) playground for bigger kids and a smaller playground for little one’s. Visibility is nice at the BK Memorial Park and it is fenced in so the kids can’t stray too far. There are two swing sets with infant, handicapped, and traditional swings. BurgessKimball also has basketball and tennis courts, baseball, two pavilions, bathrooms, a vending machine, and plenty of parking. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

At-a-Glance

Stroller-friend ly? Infant Swing s? Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

East Side Recreation

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

On the corner of Lake Ave and Granger Ave, Saratoga Springs

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

West Side Recreation

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

ly? Stroller-friend s? Infant Swing Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

At-a-Glance

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

Veterans Memorial Park

10 Adams Road, Saratoga Springs Geyser Park, or its official name Veterans Memorial Park is one of three Saratoga playgrounds with an interactive fountain. (East Side Rec and West Side Rec are the others). The playground is basic and small, but the fountain is the main attraction here. Not a ton of shade, but Geyser Park has nice bathrooms that are very close by. It tends to be less busy than East Side or West Side Rec and a great location for Ballston Spa, Malta, or Milton

PEERLESS POOL Peerless Pool inside the state park, does not have a playground, but it’s the only public swimming pool in Saratoga Springs, built just the way kids like it! 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga. (518) 584-2009 $8 per vehicle to get into the park Pool Fees: $2 Adult / $1 Children & Seniors Children under 5: Free check out saratogamama.com for more kid friendly activities! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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What LOCALS know about

Saratoga...

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

Yes, Saratoga has a lake… Head East on Union Ave. (Past the track) You can’t miss it.

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

IF YOU GO TO The Saratoga Casino and Raceway is a casino, but not THE Casino… CONGRESS PARK, TO When locals say “The Casino” CHECK OUT they are most likely referring to THE CASINO the Canfield Casino in (WHICH I Congress Park, which hosts the HIGHLY most sought-after events and RECOMMEND!) contains the Saratoga Springs DON’T FEED History Museum upstairs. THE DUCKS.

HARNESS TRACK VS. FLAT TRACK... THE LOCALS CALL THE SARATOGA RACE COURSE, “THE FLAT TRACK” AND THE SARATOGA CASINO AND RACEWAY, “THE HARNESS TRACK”

Why is it called CIRCULAR Street?

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

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

Why is it called CHURCH Street?

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

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

Most photos by StockStudiosPhotography.com

S A R AT O G A T O D AY ’ S

DINING GUIDE

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

Spa City Baking Co.

88 Front Street, Ballsotn Spa (518) 309-3664

Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery

Bakeries

47 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 871-1780 sweetmimiscafe.com

Mama Mia’s Bakery & Pizza 185 Ballston Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-7783 mamamiassaratoga.com

Breakfast & Brunch

Mrs. London’s Bake Shop 464 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-1652 mrslondons.com

TC Paris

72 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 306-4315 tcbakery.com

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Bread Basket Bakery

Mouzon House

65 Spring St., Saratoga (518) 587-4233 SaratogaBreadBasket.com

(Sunday Brunch) 1 York Street (518) 226-0014 mouzonhouse.com

Compton’s Restaurant

Mrs. London’s Bake Shop

459 B’way, Saratoga (518) 584-9632

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

Fifty South Restaurant

464 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-1652 MrsLondons.com

Ravenous Café

21 Phila Street, Saratoga 518.581.0560 ravenouscrapes.com

(Sunday Brunch) 2128 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa, (518) 884-2926 FiftySouth.com

Saratoga Coffee Traders

Fortunate Cup

Saratoga Tea & Honey Co.

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

Good Morning Breakfast Café

2100 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa (518) 309-3359 GoodMorningBreakfast.com

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

Hungry Spot Café

480 B’way, Saratoga (518) 584-9060 ww.HungrySpotCafe.com

The Iron Roost

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

The Kettle

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

Lakeside Farms and Cider Mill

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

The Local Pub and Teahouse

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

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447 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 584-5600 saratogacoffeetraders.com 348 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 871-1419

Scallion’s Restaurant (Weekend Brunch) 44 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 584-0192 ScallionsSaratoga.com

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

SPoT Coffee

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

Sweet Mimi’s Cafe & Bakery 47 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 871-1780 sweetmimiscafe.com

Triangle Diner

400 Maple Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-6368

Russell’s Deli

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

Uncommon Grounds 402 B’way, Saratoga (518) 581-0656 uncommongrounds.com

Whistling Kettle

24 Front St., Ballston Spa (518) 884-2664 thewhistlingkettle.com

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Andy’s Adirondack Grille 2872 State Rt. 9, Malta (518) 580-1269 andysadkgrille.com

Bailey’s Café

Furlong’s Family Fun

588 Lake Ave. (518) 581-8633 www.facebook.com/furlongsfamilyfun

Great Bay Seafood

37 Phila Street #5, Saratoga (518) 583-6060 baileyscafe.com

2149 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa (518) 885-0583 greatbayseafood.com

Boca Bistro

Greenhouse Chopped Salad Company

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

The Brickyard Tavern 72 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa (518) 884-2570

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

Catherine’s in the Park (Seasonal, poolside dining) 11 a.m. to dusk 58 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga, (518) 583-4657

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

Harvest & Hearth

251 B County Rt. 67, Saratoga (518) 587-1900 harvestandhearth.com

Lakeside Farms and Cider Mill

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

Park Side Eatery

Circus Café Restaurant

42-44 Phila Street, Saratoga (the Old Palmetto Building)

Clark’s Steakhouse

21 Phila Street, Saratoga 518.581.0560 ravenouscrapes.com

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

120 Broad St., Schuylerville (518) 361-5660

DiDonna’s South Shore Restaurant

113 Route 9P, Malta (518) 584-0227 southshoremarinaofsaratoga.com

Dock Brown’s

511 NY-9P, Saratoga (518) 306-4987 brownsbeachresort.com/dock-browns/

Farmer’s Daughter 882 Route 29, Saratoga (518)584-8562

Ravenous Café

Ripe Tomato

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

Scallion’s Restaurant 44 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 584-0192 scallionssaratoga.com

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

Village Pizzeria

Fifty South Restaurant

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

Four Seasons Natural Foods

175 Lake Rd, Ballston Lake (518) 280-0311 villagopizzaria.com

2128 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa, (518) 884-2926 fiftysouth.com 33 Phila Street, Saratoga 120 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4670 fourseasonsnaturalfoods.com

Villago

Winslow’s

801 Saratoga Road, Wilton (518) 584-2489 winslowsofsaratoga.com

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Family Friendly & Casual Dining

So many days and so many ways to enjoy The Saratoga Winery!

- Weekly events every Thurs-Sun. - Open all week for tastings! Bring this ad for 1 FREE Wine Tasting! Coupon Expires 9/1/15

www.thesaratogawinery.com • 518.584.9463

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American Rocco’s

989 Main St., Clifton Park (518) 406-5251 www.roccosonmain.com

Asian, Fusion & Chinese

Duo Modern Japanese 175 South B’way, Saratoga (518) 580-8881 duomodernjapanese.com

Hibachi Japanese Restaurant 3310 S B’way, Saratoga (518) 580-9343 hibachisaratoga.com

Izumi Asian Bistro 63 Putnam St., Saratoga (518)583-0008 izumisaratoga.com

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out 66 Congress St., Saratoga (518) 584-8371

Osaka Sushi House

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

Phila Fusion

54 Phila St, Saratoga (518) 226-0400 philafusion.com

Lillian’s Restaurant

5342 Parkis Mills Rd., Galway (518) 882-6962 thecocknbull.com

Crown Grill

Sam’s Chinese Restaurant

390 B’way, Saratoga (518)583-1105 crowngrillsaratoga.com

824 NY 50, Burnt Hills (518) 384-1997

The Inn at Saratoga

Farm to Table

231 B’way, Saratoga (518) 583-1890 theinnatsaratoga.com

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

Jacob & Anthony’s American Grill

15 Church Restaurant 15 Church St., Saratoga 15churchrestaurant.com

Boca Bistro

Cock ‘n’ Bull

44-46 Phila St., Saratoga (518) 580-0900 sushithaigarden.com

Lake Ridge

35 Burlington Ave., Round Lake (518) 889-6000 lake-ridge.com

384 B’way, Saratoga (518)682-2800 bocabistro.com

Sushi Thai Garden

Fine Dining

Brook Tavern

139 Union Ave., Saratoga (518) 871-1473 Thebrooktavern.com

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

408 B’way, Saratoga (518) 587-7766 lilliansrestaurant.com

The Lodge

(Seasonal) One Nelson Ave., Saratoga saratogacasino.com/Dining/ The-Lodge

Longfellow’s

500 Union Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-0108 longfellows.com

Maestro’s at the Van Dam

353 B’way, Saratoga (518) 580-0312 maestrosatthevandam.com

Max London’s Restaurant

466 B’way, Saratoga (518) 587-0505 maxlondonsresturaunt.com

Mingle on the Avenue 30 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-6682 minglerestaurants.com/saratoga/

Mio Posto

68 Putnam St, Saratoga (518) 542-7581 miopostosaratoga.com/

Olde Bryan Inn

123 Maple Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-2990 oldebryaninn.com

One Caroline Street Bistro

1 Caroline St, Saratoga (518) 587-2026 onecaroline.com

Prime @ Saratoga National

458 Union Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-4653 golfsaratoga.com/dining

Putnam’s Tavern

24 Gideon Putnam Rd.,Saratoga (518) 226-4719 putnamstavern.com

Specialty Restaurants

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Siro’s

(Seasonal) 168 Lincoln Ave., Saratoga, (518) 584-4030 sirosny.com

Sperry’s

30 1/2 Caroline St., Saratoga (518) 584-9618 sperrysrestaurant.com

Wine Bar

417 B’way, Saratoga (518) 584-8777 thewinebarofsaratoga.com

The Wishing Well

745 Saratoga Rd., Gansevoort (518) 584-7640 wishingwellrestaurant.com

French

Boca Bistro

Mexican

Capriccio Restaurant

42 Ferry St., Schuylerville (518) 695-9595 amigoscantina.net

Chianti Il Ristorante

430 B’way, Saratoga (518) 587-5577 cantinasaratoga.com

Forno Tuscano Bistro

208 South B’way, Saratoga (518) 226-0105 elmexicanorestaurant.com

Limoncello Ristorante

6 Caroline St., Saratoga (518) 587-4236 Esperantosaratoga.com

Mangino’s

135 Crescent St., Saratoga, (518) 587-2346 leonsmexicanrestaurant.com

384 B’way, Saratoga (518) 682-2800 bocabistro.com 26 Henry St., Saratoga, (518)587-9463 capricciosaratoga.com

18 Division St., Saratoga, (518) 580-0025 chiantiristorante.com 541 B’way, Saratoga, (518) 581-2401 fornobistro.com

Mouzon House

1 Ballston Ave., Saratoga, (518) 580-8700 limoncelloristorante.com

Chez Pierre Restaurant

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

1 York St., Saratoga (518) 226-0014 mouzonhouse.com

979 Rt, 9, Gansevoort (518) 793-3350 (800) 672-0666 chezpierrerestaurant.com

Indian Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India 47 Caroline St., Saratoga (518) 580-1144 karavallilatham.com

Little India

60 Court St., Saratoga (518) 583-4151 saratogalittleindiarestaurant.com

Irish HARVEY’S Irish Restaurant & Bar 14 Phila St., Saratoga (518)583-0003 www.harveyspub.com

Parting Glass

40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-1916 partingglasspub.com

Italian Augie’s Restaurant 17 Low St., Ballston Spa (518) 884-8600 augiesrestaurant.com

Amigo’s Cantina

Cantina

El Mexicano

Esperanto

Leon’s Restaurant

Mexican Connection

Mio Posto

41 Nelson Ave., Saratoga (518) 584-4466 mexconx.com

Nove

42 Front St., Ballston Spa (518) 885-8550 sunsetcafe.org

68 Putnam St., Saratoga (518) 542-7581 miopostosaratoga.com 707 Saratoga Rd., Wilton (518) 583-8877 novesaratoga.com

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

Pennell’s Restaurant 284 Jefferson St., Saratoga (518) 583-2423 pennellsrestaurant.com

Sunset Café

Southern/BBQ Hattie’s Chicken Shack 45 Phila St., Saratoga (518) 584-4790 3057 Route 50 Wilton Plaza, Saratoga (518) 226-0000 hattiesrestaurant.com

The Kettle Restaurant

Village Pizzeria

445 Church St, Saratoga (518) 584-9734 www.thekettlerestaurant.com

Villago

1 Kaydeross Ave. West, Saratoga (518) 583-2445 pjsbarbq.com

2727 Route 29, Middle Grove (518) 882-9431 villagepizzeria.com 175 Lake Rd, Ballston Lake (518) 280-0311 villagopizzaria.com

Wheatfields

440 B’way, Saratoga (518) 581-0534 54 Crossing Blvd., Clfton Park (518) 383-4444 wheatfields.com

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA

Turkish IstanBlue

68 Congress St., Saratoga (518) 581-0181 istanbluemediterranean.com

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Deli, Pizza & Chinese Take-out

Deli Ben & Bill’s Deli

Pizza Amore Pizza

Marino’s Pizza

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

115 Ballston Ave. (Rt. 50) Saratoga, (518) 782- 0441

265 Main Street, Corinth (518) 654-9991

Legends Cafe

102 Congress St., Saratoga (518) 583-3411 legendscafesaratoga.com

BWP

74 Weibel Ave., Saratoga (518)763-2975 beerwinepizza.com

223 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-2545 www.mariossaratoga.com

Park Side Eatery

Caputo’s Pizzeria

7 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 580-2000 saratogapizza7.com

42 Phila Street #1 (518)907-4337

Putnam Street Market 131 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-3663 putnammarket.com

Roma Foods & Market

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

Russell’s Deli

303 Milton Ave (Route 50) Ballston Spa (518) 885-DELI (3354) russellsdeli.com

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

3039 NY-50, Saratoga (518) 581-0011 caputospizzeria.com

D’Andrea’s Pizza

33 Caroline Street, Saratoga 654 Saratoga Rd., Gansvoort (518) 584-3632 dandreaspizza.com

Gennaro’s Pizza Parlor 46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-1900 gennarossaratoga.com

Harvest & Hearth

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

Mama Mia’s Pizza

185 Ballston Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-7783 mamamiassaratoga.com

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Mario’s Pizzeria

Pizza 7

Pizza Nook

2639 Route 9, Ballston Spa (518) 580-8808

Pizza Time

636 Maple Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-6265 orderpizzatime.com

Pizza Works

88 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-6650 pizzaworks.org

Pope’s Pizza

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

Spa Pizza

119 Clinton Street, Saratoga (518) 584-3840

Village Pizzeria

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

Villago

175 Lake Rd, Ballston Lake (518) 280-0311 villagopizzaria.com

West Avenue Pizza 99 West Ave., Saratoga (518) 581-9999 westavepizzeria.com

Chinese Take-out Char Koon

388 B’ way, Saratoga (518) 581-9000 charkoonsaratogasprings.com

Uncle Ming’s Chinese Kitchen

74 Henry St., Saratoga (518) 584-5558

Sunny Wok

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

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out 66 Congress St., Saratoga (518) 584-8371

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Pubs Almost Saratoga

2839 Route 9, Ballston Spa (518) 587-0048

Bentley’s Tavern

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

Brickyard Tavern

72 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa (518)884-2570

BWP

74 Weibel Ave., Saratoga (518)763-2975 beerwinepizza.com

Dango’s

38 Caroline St., Saratoga (518) 587-2022

Druther’s

381 B’way, Saratoga (518) 306-5275 druthersbrewing.com

Fortunes

25 Nelson Ave., Saratoga (518) 581-5790 saratogacasino.com/dinig/Fortunes

Gaffney’s

Putnam Den

Ravenswood

16 Caroline St., Saratoga (518) 587-7359 gaffneysrestaurant.com

63-A Putnam St., Saratoga (518) 584-8066 putnamden.com

1021 Route146, Clifton Park (518)371-8771 Myfavoritetaverns.com

Henry Street Taproom

Seven Horse Pub

Sports Bars

86 Henry Street, Saratoga (518)886-8938

Horseshoe Inn

1 Gridley Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-4909 thehorseshoeinn.com

Harvey’s Resturaunt & Bar 14 Phila St., Saratoga (518) 583-0003 harveyspub.com

Merry Monk

84 Henry St., Saratoga (518) 584-6665 Merrymonksaratoga.com

43 Phila St., Saratoga (518) 581-0777 sevenhorsepub.com

Bookmakers at Holiday Inn

The Factory Eatery

232 B’way, Saratoga (518) 584-4550

20 Prospect St. Suite 111, Ballston Spa (518) 885-0500 thefactoryeatery.com

D-Line Pub

15 Prospect St., Ballston Spa (518) 885-6861

The Local Pub and Teahouse

Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grill

142 Grand Ave., Saratoga (518) 587-7256 thelovalpubandteahouse.com

The Mill on Round Lake

Parting Glass

2121 Route 9, Round Lake (518) 899-5253 myfavoritetaverns.com

Publik House Pub

215A Guideboard Rd., Clifton Park (518) 371-1120 saltyspub.com

40-42 Lake Ave., Saratoga (518) 583-1916 partingglasspub.com Routes 9 & 9P, Malta (518) 587-7479 publikhouse.net

Stadium Café

389 B’way, Saratoga (518) 226-4437 thestadiumcafe.com

Salty’s Pub & Bistro

Rusty Nail Grill & Tavern 1781 Route 9, Clifton Park (518)371-9875 Myfavoritetaverns.com

39 Phila St., Saratoga (518) 886-8673 Peabodystoga.com

Starting Gate Bar & Grill

12 Ballston Ave., Saratoga (518) 584-8834

West Side Stadium

112 Congress St., Saratoga (518) 691-0193

Pubs & Sports Bars

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Welcome to SARATOGA SPRINGS A city known for “Health, History and Horses.” While that may be our official slogan, I say that Saratoga Springs is also known for fashion, philanthropy and fun! There are lots of great people, beautiful outfits, fabulous hats and joyous good times in our special city. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, The New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the National Museum of Dance bring some of the most talented artists in the world here year after year. But beyond the frivolity, there’s a spirit of generosity and a wonderful desire to give back and help one another. Our community is bonded in its desire to come together for a worthy cause. Saratoga is a city steeped in great traditions—especially in the summer. So why not start a tradition of your own and enjoy the very best our great city has to offer! I invite each of you to attend one of our fabulous galas this summer; all of which support wonderful local non-profits. And as you plan your perfect outfit, be sure to make your way downtown to check out some of the country’s best local boutiques. And let’s not forget the food…ohh the food! Plan on dining at one of our local award-winning restaurants where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether inside, outside, patio or rooftop, you can soak in the richness and beauty that makes us so very blessed to call Saratoga Springs home! On the following pages you will get a taste of all our region has to offer. See you Downtown!

XOXO Michele Michele Riggi, local philanthropist and President of the National Museum of Dance saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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SARATOGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER’S THE EMPIRE BALL NEW YORK CITY BALLET: EXCELLENCE EN POINTE WHEN: Saturday, July 11th 5:30 PM Red Carpet Champagne Reception 6:30-8 PM Gourmet dinner by Hall of Springs culinary team, 8 PM NYCB performance in the amphitheater Post-Performance Live Music by Soul Session & Firework Display, Afterglow reception with live jazz in the ballroom WHERE: Saratoga Performing Arts Center 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs WHY: Often referred to as the event of the year in Saratoga, the Ballet Gala supports the residency of the New York City Ballet. The Ballet Gala includes a captivating performance by the New York City Ballet, followed by fireworks and a festive post-performance lawn party. ATTIRE: Black Tie Optional COST: Under 35 / $175 per person Over 35 / $250 per person FOR TICKETS: www.spac.org / (518) 584-9330 / SPAC’s Box Office (Route 50, 12-6pm Monday- Friday; 10-2 Saturday) Photos by Deborah Neary

THE BALLET GALA LAWN PARTY: 1930s ART DECO WHEN: Saturday, July 11th , 6-8 PM Live Music & Picnic Parties on the Lawn. 8 PM, New York City Ballet Performance. Post-Performance Live Music by Soul Session, Dancing & Firework Display WHERE: Saratoga Performing Arts Center 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs WHY: The Junior Committee hosts a festive bring your own picnic lawn party where guests, decked out in the gala’s annual theme, compete in an annual competition for best lawn party picnic. ATTIRE: Cocktail Attire COST: $50 per person before June 30th FOR TICKETS: www.spac.org (518) 584-9330 / SPAC’s Box Office (Route 50, 12-6pm Monday- Friday; 10-2 Saturday)

Photos by Deborah Neary

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Kim Vanyo clothes Susha Shoes

(not all of them, but most)

Hair and Makeup by Fusion Available at Saratoga Trunk Photo by Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce SARATOGA TRUNK 493 BROADWAY (518) 584-3543

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SARATOGA BRIDGES ANNUAL GALA: ‘THE WHITE PARTY’ WHEN: Saturday, July 18th, 2015 | 6 -10pm WHERE: Fasig Tipton, Saratoga Springs WHY: Gala Co-Chairs, Patty Riggi & Robin Dalton and their dedicated committee members present the party of the summer! The event will feature Complimentary Cocktails all evening courtesy of Ketel One Vodka, Buffet Dinner & Desserts from Mazzone Hospitality, Live and Silent Auctions, music by Saving Atlantis, Décor by Fine Affairs and The Posie Peddler, a cigar roller from James & Sons Tobacconists, wonderful artwork by Saratoga Bridges’ Creative Endeavors artists, Heather Bohm-Tallman Photography’s HBT Crazy Photo Booth and valet parking by CQ Valet. ATTIRE: White Cocktail or Summer Casual. COST: Prior to July 1st: Under 35 - $125 / Over 35 $175 After July 1st: Under 35 - $150 / Over 35 - $200 FOR TICKETS: www.saratogabridges.org

Photos by Heather Bohm-Tallman

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Celebrate summer with unique, chic, sophisticated fashion! From the races to the galas, let Alexis Aida be your personal stylist ALEXIS AIDA BOUTIQUE 437 BROADWAY (518) 788 8545

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22ND ANNUAL NEWTON PLAZA SIRO’S CUP GALA WHEN: Thursday, July 23rd / 6:30 PM WHERE: Siro’s Restaurant, 168 Lincoln Ave., Saratoga Springs WHY: The unofficial kick off of the Saratoga racing season,

Siro’s Cup is held on the eve of opening day and features a summer buffet, open bar, dancing and mingling with jockeys and trainers. This year, Tom Durkin, a well-regarded retired track announcer, will be recognized for his contributions to the horse racing industry and his love of thoroughbreds. Proceeds benefit the Center for Disability Services. Typically, more than 1,000 guests attend. For 73 years, the Center for Disability Services has been the place for families in the Capital Region and beyond to turn to for innovative services and expert care for individuals with disabilities and chronic medical conditions. Often, these specialized programs and services are not available elsewhere. The Center is known as the place where people get better at life. ATTIRE: Track Attire COST: $125 advance, $150 @ door,

$1100 group of ten FOR TICKETS: www.cfdsny.org or call (518) 944-2125 photos provided

4TH ANNUAL FINEST FILLIES FOR JAKE’S HELP FROM HEAVEN WHEN: Thursday, July 23rd / 7-9 PM WHERE: Vapor Nightclub WHY: This fun event includes plenty of food, desserts, “betting” and a cash bar! A percentage of sales from our Signature Drink - the “Sweet Jake” will be donated to Jake’s Help From Heaven! Tickets can be purchased online or at the door (cash, check or charge) Bets can be placed up to 8pm! ATTIRE: Cocktail COST: $50 per person FOR TICKETS: www.JakesHelpFromHeaven.com Photos by Deborah Neary

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65 ROSES GALA: THE OPENING DAY SOIREE WHEN: Friday, July 24th / 7PM WHERE: Fasig-Tipton WHY: Enjoy the evening on Opening Day

at Saratoga! The opening day excitement continues at the exquisite and unique Fasig Tipton Auction Stables. Enjoy music and dancing with Gravity, dinner stations by Mazzone Catering, open bar, craft beer, specialty drinks while browsing an extensive auction including one-ofa-kind items, get-aways and much more! ATTIRE: Chic Track Attire COST: $190/person FOR TICKETS: (518) 453-3583 or http://NENY.

CFF.org/65roses photos provided

FASHIONABLE FILLIES LUNCHEON: CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF THE HORSE WHEN: Monday, July 27th, 11:30 AM Silent

Auction, 1:00PM Luncheon followed by a Fashion Show courtesy of The National, Frivolous & Miss Scarlett Boutique WHERE: Hall of Springs at Saratoga Performing

Arts Center, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga WHY: To Benefit The Jockey Club Safety Net

Foundation and Shelters of Saratoga ATTIRE: Saratoga Summer Chic COST: $150 per person

For Tickets: RSVP by July 20. Tickets can be purchased online at tinyurl.com/fillieslunch or by contacting Nancy Kelly nkelly@jockeyclub.com or (212) 521- 5305. After July 17 (518) 226-0609

Photos by Deborah Neary

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For a bohemian-chic look, shop at Lucia this Summer to find flowy maxi dresses and fun accessories like Flash Tattoos and fringe bags. LUCIA 454 BROADWAY #8 (518) 587-7890

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“POLO BY TWILIGHT,” PALAMOUNTAIN SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT WHEN: Tuesday, July 28th / 5:30 PM WHERE: Saratoga Polo Field, 2 Bloomfield Rd., Greenfield Center WHY: The 36th annual benefit for the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund of Skidmore College. Please join us for a live polo match, cocktails, silent auction, and a gourmet dinner prepared by Skidmore Dinning Services followed by a live auction. All funds raised will benefit the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, created to honor the College’s fourth president and his wife for their 22 years of leadership and services to the college community. ATTIRE: Casually elegant COST: $150 General Admission, $100 under 40 $75 under 30 FOR TICKETS: skidmore.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/ PalamountainBenefit2015/Registration/tabid/683565/ Default.aspx or call (518) 580- 5671 Photos by Alice Corey

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Clothing, shoes & accessories the Pink Paddock a Lilly Pulitzer signature store PINK PADDOCK 358 BROADWAY (518) 587-4344 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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CAPTAIN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES 7TH ANNUAL GALA: AN UNBRIDLED AFFAIR WHEN: Thursday, July 30th / 6:30 – 11PM WHERE: Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn WHY: CAPTAIN programs and services address

the core issues facing our society today: youth homelessness, poverty, bullying, hunger, academic failure and family dysfunction. ATTIRE: Cocktail COST: Under 35 - $100 / Over 35 - $125 FOR TICKETS: (518) 371-1185

or www.CaptainCares.org

Photos by Larry Baily

EQUINE ADVOCATES 14TH ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER & CHARITY AUCTION WHEN: Thursday, July 30th / 6PM WHERE: Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs WHY: Fund-Raiser benefitting Equine Advocates

Horse Rescue, Sanctuary and Humane Education Programs. Elisa Haworth and Jack Knowlton will chair the event which will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner by Mazzone Hospitality, live & silent auctions and dancing to the sounds of The New York Players. ATTIRE: Casual Elegance COST: $250 per person FOR TICKETS: www.EquineAdvocates.org

Photos by Larry Baily

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Celebrate the passion in style with EMBRACE THE RACE®, The Apparel for the Horse Racing Lifestyle®. Great gifts come to life for ladies, men and children. Available in a variety of colors, featuring their stylish and one-of-a-kind logo. EMBRACE THE RACE® 12 CIRCULAR STREET (518) 580-4500 (Across from the Holiday Inn with private customer parking) embracetherace.com select Saratoga retailers

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8TH ANNUAL VISIÓN: “A LOOK AT LIFE BEHIND THE SCENES” WHEN: Tuesday, August 4th / 5:30 – 8:00 PM WHERE: The Rail at the Saratoga Race Course,

Union Ave, Saratoga Springs WHY: This project is an exhibit and ongoing

project of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. in which Latino immigrants document their everyday lives and a unique insight into Saratoga County through photography. Proceeds go towards the Latino Community Advocacy Program at the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council. ATTIRE: Casual/Cocktail Attire COST: $60 per person

For Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/699097 for more information contact Kristi Fox (518) 2883206 ext.111 or k.fox@saratogaeoc.org Photos provided

SARATOGA HOSPITAL’S 33RD ANNUAL SUMMER GALA -CADDYSHACK WHEN: Wednesday, August 5th / 6-9 PM WHERE: One Nelson Avenue - Polo Meadow at

Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Enter at the third Saratoga Casino and Raceway sign going South on Nelson Avenue. WHY: Now in its 33rd year, the Saratoga

Hospital Annual Summer Gala is the quintessential kickoff to the Saratoga summer season. Proceeds support the programs and services of the Saratoga Community Health Center. ATTIRE: Cool, comfortable, casual summer wear COST: $175 per person; Junior Ticket price is

$125 per person (21 - 36 years). FOR TICKETS: www.saratogahospital.org/

services/events/the-summer-gala

Photos provided

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Full length embroidered Frank Lyman dress with ruched back for $298 Statement ring by Jan Michaels $34 Cell phone clutch by Shiraleah for $46 Knee length royal blue bodycon dress by Frank Lyman w/ sequin waist for $284 Blue crystal earrings by Taolei for $45 Royal blue clutch by triple 7 for $46 Photo by MarkBolles.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE: TANGO GALA WHEN: Saturday, August 8th / 7 P.M. WHERE: National Museum of Dance, 99 South

Broadway, Saratoga Springs WHY: The 2015 Tango Gala is the museum’s

largest fundraiser and the best gala in Saratoga during the summer season! ATTIRE: Black Tie COST: Tickets start at $450 FOR TICKETS: (518) 584-2225 x 3001

info@dancemuseum.org Photos provided

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SHELTERS OF SARATOGA: ONE FINE DAY CENTENNIAL SOIRÉE WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th / 1-4PM WHERE: Union Gables, 55 Union Avenue,

Saratoga Springs WHY: Join SOS in commemorating the City of

Saratoga Spring’s Centennial. For over 25 years, SOS has been providing homeless services to individuals in need in the greater Saratoga region. Set amidst the historic Union Gables backdrop, guests will enjoy live music, signature drinks and delectable fare. Don’t forget to bid on irresistible silent auctions with 100% of proceeds to benefit SOS programs and services. ATTIRE: Summer Festive COST: $75 per person FOR TICKETS: www.sheltersofsaratoga.org Photos provided

Photo by Mark Bolles

RONALD McDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES FASHION SHOW WHEN: August 27th at 11AM WHERE: At the Rail Pavilion,

Saratoga Race Course WHY: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc. promotes the health, development and well-being of children and their families. We accomplish this through the Ronald McDonald House, a home away from home for families of seriously ill children, and by creating and supporting programs that directly improve the lives of children and their families. ATTIRE: Track Attire COST: $155 per person

For Tickets: Chris Turner at 518-438-2655 or cturner@rmhcofalbany.org

Photo by studio di Luce

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Photo by studio di Luce

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The soft sophistication of lace is always a favorite for the track or polo fields. Our gorgeous polo player, Cindy Munter, knows just how to pull it off too. With her romantic halter from Eva Varro, we kept her look soft and movable with Angelrox’s wide leg “swirl pant”. Come see all of summer’s “pretties” at Spoken Boutique!!

SPOKEN BOUTIQUE 27 CHURCH STREET (518) 587-2772 SPOKENSARATOGA.COM saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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HEALTH, HISTORY & HORSES CHARITY GALA WHEN: Thursday, August 27th / 6-9 PM WHERE: Longfellow’s Restaurant, 500 Union Ave.,

Saratoga WHY: Hot and cold food stations, cash bar, silent

auction, live music & 4 Seasons basket raffle. Sponsored by the Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate. Funds raised are distributed annually to established charities in Saratoga & Warren/ Washington Counties: Catholic Charities, food kitchens, shelters, and tuition support programs. ATTIRE: Summer Festive COST: $65 per person FOR TICKETS: www.ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com

(518) 584-7496 Photos provided

17TH ANNUAL TRAVERS WINE TASTING WHEN: Friday, August 28th / 7-10 PM WHERE: Fasig-Tipton, 153 George St.,

Saratoga Springs WHY: The 17th Annual Travers Wine

Tasting is one of the region’s largest wine and food tastings with more than 400 guests, sampling an upscale selection of wines and craft beers from around the world! The event features SIP, SWIRL, and SAVOR fine wines and specialty beers, live entertainment, live and silent auctions, gourmet food samplings and scrumptious desserts. Proceeds benefit SSA’s numerous programs and services including Meals on Wheels, Transportation, and more! ATTIRE: Cocktail COST: $135 per person

For Tickets:n (518) 465-3322 / www. SeniorServicesofAlbany.com

Photos by Alice Corey

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This Cocktail gown by Serina London is done in Champagne Venice lace. A Perfect style for the summer season in Saratoga. Photo by Deborah Neary DANIELLE’S BRIDAL 4249 ROUTE 50 (518) 584-7067

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THE ST. JUDE GALA: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. A NIGHT WITH A CAUSE. WHEN: Thursday, September 3rd / 6-11PM WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club, 458

Union Ave., Saratoga Springs WHY: St. Jude Gala presented by

AngioDynamics is the premier Capital Region event supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Join us for an exquisite evening at Saratoga National Golf Club for cocktails, a gourmet dinner, desserts, live music from Big Sky Country, dancing, a fabulous live auction! This year we will be honoring the Polish American Citizen’s Club for their 26 years supporting St. Jude. ATTIRE: Cocktail COST: $75- $175 per person FOR TICKETS: www.stjude.org/saratogagala or

call our office (518) 453-6800

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Laura is wearing a relaxed sleeveless top and boho print skirt, both from the Summer 2015 BCBGMAXAZRIA Collection available at Violet’s. VILOET’S 494 BROADWAY (518) 584-4838 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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INSIDE THE ( SARATOGA ) TRUNK

WITH NATALIE SILLERY… WRITTEN BY CARRIE ROWLANDS JOHNSON PHOTOS BY STUDIO DI LUCE

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I am sitting on a shapely blue velvet sofa, in what looks like an old world dress boutique. Gorgeous gowns in all fabrics, colors, lengths, and styles hang gracefully by their shoulders, floating invitingly next to one another. Natalie Sillery herself is sitting on that sofa next to me. Today, wearing a gorgeous bronzy wine-colored silk skirt and jacket by Zelda. She is elegant. Divine. The epitome of class and style.

barely close my eyes and immediately see them twirling around the dance floor. I hear the music permeating from the stage. I smell wafts of expensive perfume. I taste the crisp bubbles of champagne, poured carefully into sparkling, stemmed glasses. The fabulous frocks encase bodies, heated from the physical exertion of dance. Manicured, lotioned hands grasp the glass stems, tipping the refreshing liquid toward polished lips. As the lips open, smiles, laughs, bits of gossip, and beguiling stories escape. Then somewhere on stage, a melodic voice amplified by a microphone breaks through the big band music and chatter. It’s serious time. Time to get down to the business of raising money for charity. Sequins and crystals stop twirling and take seats around circles for eight, covered in white linen. The simple black and white uniforms of wait staff contrast the ornate gowns as they mingle around the tables, their pens releasing dinner and drink orders onto white paper.

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And she exudes this positive, magnetic energy... tough to describe with mere words. I watch her lips as the words continue to tell her story. All eyes are on the THEIA cobalt blue party dress. Ears listen as the message is released. Eyes watch as the elaborate, elegant lavender fascinator with feather by Christine A. Moore Millinery bobs up and down to the rhythm of the voice, now the ONLY voice in the room, is that of Natalie Sillery. She has done it again— dressed an entire room full of socialites, gathered them all together under one roof, and organized a fashion show to raise money for one of the many charities she supports. This, the annual Ronald McDonald House charity event that has grown exponentially in size to more than 45 models on the catwalk showing more than one hundred designs. Just as quickly as they materialized, the images in my head vanish. The very same voice that called from the stage in my memory breaks through it, carrying me back to the present.

“All I needed to do was go into business for myself… it truly could have been a book store.” I am flabbergasted by the words: “Natalie Sillery, BOOKSELLER.” I can picture it nearly as vividly as I can envision the elaborate room filled with Saratoga’s finest couture. It’s the most grand, most eclectic, unique, and fabulous book store that ever graced this great land of ours. It’s magical, classy, elegant, and en vogue— in striking resemblance/liking to its’ owner. I so badly want to walk between the walls of that bookstore, to finger through the thin pages, to sit in a comfy chair and allow the words to fall across my eyes and pour into my brain. What I can’t imagine is the evaporation of my first image. Saratoga without its’ fashion shows and fundraisers? Never! Yet, what I just heard is that that very well could have been reality, had Natalie Sillery turned the key on a book store instead of Saratoga Trunk.

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ewind twenty-five years. Natalie Sillery and her dapper husband, Ted DiPonzio had just moved back to Saratoga from New York City. Natalie had one mission: to watch over her sick, aging mother without relinquishing her care to a nursing home. “I had two business plans, one for clothing, and one for bookstores. It happened to be a business that was a clothing store, but I made it into my own. With the inspiration of parents who always had great style, with the help of my husband who was the best-dressed man I knew at the time, we stepped out and made it, I hope, a destination for many… All I needed to do was go into business for myself. My mother had slow progressive dementia. I was not going to put her in a nursing home. I was keeping her with me. I knew I had to work for myself if that was the case. It was God’s plan (“some call it serendipity” Natalie adds, with a twinkle in her eye) for this to happen. I know this now.” And so it began twenty-one years ago with Saratoga Trunk, ‘Under the lavender canopy.’ The couture. The fundraisers. The socialites. The hats! Let’s not forget the hats!! All right here in Saratoga Springs, New York; all expertly guided by the magical hands and unwavering passion of Natalie Sillery.

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“I did bring the runway to Saratoga. I did bring couture. Kay Unger came up a few years ago- a world-renowned designer, on the runway in Saratoga. She was quite generous to the Ronald McDonald House, as Don O’Neill (of THEIA) has been, too.” When Natalie opened the doors to Saratoga Trunk at 487 Broadway twenty-one years ago, “fashion show” and “couture” were words that referenced places like New York City, not Saratoga. Natalie single-handedly orchestrated a transformation that rocked the fashion and social scene here in our beautiful city.

Don O’Neill, Natalie & Evelyn Anastos, president of Theia

“With designers like Eric Javitts, who did my very first trunk show; Michael Simon for the very first event for Gilda’s Club (That has changed already); and Kokin, a hat designer that I brought up to different shows, namely at The Mohawk Club… and Michele Riggi’s for her birthday… all sorts of stuff. The first Old Bags Luncheon where I showed Oscar de la Renta gowns on the runway in the Casino… with MaryLou Whitney. Sheryl Schwartz… just some WOW memories.” Today, Saratoga Trunk is THE destination for finery, carrying couture, bridal, children’s gowns, jewelry, and hats. Because of this unique boutique, Saratoga’s track season is synonymous with high fashion, with some of the most fashionable women in the world flying in to be dressed by Natalie. (Though when I asked exactly “who” she has dressed, Natalie just shook her head and politely declined to name-drop, saying, “The Trunk is also known as “The Vault.” It would be so easy for me to drop names… who I dress, and for what events, but I prefer the little Facebook mentions than to wax poetic here.”) “My husband and I were ‘people people.’ We would forge relationships with everyone, anybody, and everywhere we went. When I got into this industry, I found it very easy to talk with the designers, get to know them up close and personal, and offer them exciting shows no one else had done. Why not come up? Grow your name while I grow my business. Let people see you up close, wear your clothing, get excited about it. Over the years, women learn which signature styles from which designers fit best.”

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Natalie toasting her famous “Trunkettes,” now thirty strong! Natalie can often be found surrounded by an entourage of dazzling women well-known around the city as the “Trunkettes,” affectionately named by her late husband. “I’ve been blessed with my great Trunkettes in my life— dear, dear friends, we’ve been through thick and thin together. I’ve seen these girls grow up. All these girls have been like my daughters, they’ve either worked here or with me. I’ve seen them get married, have their children, aspire to new jobs. Their generosity has been poured out to me in times of hardship, particularly when my husband was dying.” Trunkettes like Anne Dolan, who first met Natalie as a customer and now works with Natalie at Saratoga Trunk adds… “As soon as I walked in the store and met Natalie, we became friends and by the time I left, I felt as though I had known her all my life.” “We were the first to parade around the polo field, the racetrack… we were everywhere, all summer. I think the TRUNK was always THE place for hats, always carried great clothes, but the Trunkettes were renowned for WEARING the hats!! hahaha!!” The Trunkettes are now about thirty strong and a staple on the grand stage that is Saratoga’s social and fundraising scene… They can be seen wearing the hats and modeling at any one or ALL of the dozens of trunk shows, signature fashion shows, and fundraisers Natalie orchestrates.

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Don O’Neill, formerly of Badgley Mischka and now creative director at THEIA, has dressed the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Carrie Underwood, and the president of Ireland. Natalie introduced O’Neill to Saratoga (and conversely, Saratoga to the fabulous works of O’Neill) SEVEN years ago, when she first showcased his collection at the annual Ronald McDonald House Fashion show, a tradition that has continued as their business relationship has developed and morphed into the great friendship they share today. (Natalie takes the opportunity to plug this year’s fundraiser, slated for August 27th, at the At the Rail Pavilion, an event this writer hopes to take part in once again, WINK, WINK.) “From the get-go, I always had trunk shows with him and he came to every one of them.” A practice relatively unheard of in this business, the designer himself shows up every year to support Natalie at nearly every trunk show, fundraiser, and fashion show in which his work is featured— primping models and even holding umbrellas, a true testament to his respect for what this woman has done for fashion.

Don O’Neill, Creative director at THEIA & Natalie When I asked Natalie about being given the key to the city… She politely laughs and continues, “It was great, humbling, and wonderful.” She recalls it was the Ronald McDonald House charity event when then-Mayor Scott Johnson gave her the proclamation and declared August 23, 2013 as Natalie Sillery day!!” Throughout our conversation, Natalie maintains the class and grace she is so well known for. She is very careful not to appear boastful or prideful. She is quite humble about her success. In fact, when asked to do this interview, she agreed on the condition we focus on the many designers whose fabulous work she praises consistently throughout our conversation. “I feel very blessed and privileged that I can carry top artists in their field, namely, Joni Sarah White’s paintings, sculptures, headwear, and jewelry; Peter Ciesla’s “Bazyli Studio” jewlery; the inimitable Daniel Mozzes collection of cocktail gowns and 114 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

separates; local artisans like Kim Vanyo’s couture collection of skirts and tops and Donna Hercules, ‘Collection D’Alli’ dresses for little girls, like my ‘niece’ Trunkettina Sofie! These are all artisans who came to me because of the good reputation we have of romancing people’s creations… Aside from a few collections that no longer are with me, like, Betsey Johnson, I still carryfor 20 years- the most enduring names in the industry, namely, Nicole Miller, Zelda, Kay Unger, Phoebe Couture, Teri Jon, along with Badgley Mischka, Marchesa, Mikael Aghal, Black Halo, Laundry, and of course THEIA , my top House.” When mentioning THEIA, Natalie’s alreadylively expression takes on a distinct twinkle. She minces no words about this magical, ethereal collection of haute designs. “Probably my top success, if I can express it this way, is spring-boarding the THEIA collection by designer Don O’Neill.”

When THEIA introduced it’s “White Collection” featuring bridal wear in 2011, Saratoga Trunk was the first to open a dedicated THEIA Bridal Boutique and walk the beautiful creations down the runway, right here in Saratoga. “She knows everyone, she knows every design, every dress, every fabric and can describe the evolution of the industry. Natalie embodies connection and passion and it doesn’t go unnoticed. This is evident when she has true love and friendships with famous fashion designers that give her their time, their devotion and their partnership. It’s not about the excitement and the press. For them, it’s about her,” says Rebecca Beers, a Trunkette and close friend of Natalie’s who has worked side-by-side with her at Saratoga Trunk. While Natalie is obviously fond of O’Neill, both professionally and personally, she is diligent about stressing the variety of talented designers she’s carried throughout the years, including her delicious collection of women’s hats— a tradition Sillery herself romanced, promoted to the grand dames of racing, and brought to the racing arena here in Saratoga, further enhancing its’ reputation as THE place to see and be seen. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SUMMER 2015 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 115

Natalie & Rick Parker

“I carry the best milliners in the world. Christine A. Moore, Carole Bader, Karen Sewelll, Lisa Battaglia, Mona the Mad Hatter, Jill Henning, Cat Stevens, Moire Bagale, and more.“ As humble as Natalie is, she oozes when talking about her own business— truly a destination for women. “We service ages 17 to 90! My custom tailor, Ernesto Bongiorno, allows me to turn things around in a day. His ‘hand’ is the best in the region. We carry day, cocktail, evening, social, and special occasion, and of course Mothers’ and Guests of the Wedding, along with Bridal viz., THEIA’s White Collection.” In 2004, Natalie packed up her trunk and moved a few doors and one floor up to 493 broadway. Her trademark lavender canopy was replaced with a navy and white awning, and suddenly people weren’t able to look directly into her window but had to look up. “People weren’t used to looking up. I lost a front window. It took a while. Even though I did all of these shows, and I was on radio, I would have people call from the street, ‘Where is your store?’ I would say, ‘Just look up’.” “Looking up” is an act Natalie herself has taken quite fondly to. She elaborates more on the serendipitous course her life has taken.

Natalie “looking up” through binoculars given to her by her late husband Ted DiPonzio

“My life, people think it’s serendipitous, but it’s all God’s plan. Even the adversities, you have to wait on God. You have to not get ahead of him and let him see his plan through because the results are always the best. If people only knew the supernatural powers we have. I pray for discretion, strength, endurance, understanding, knowledge… and wisdom. I value the opportunity to listen and learn. I guess if someone were to ask me what would be said of me, I hope it’s ‘She prayed. She encouraged.’ Thus, I guess I’m always ‘looking up’… There’s a plan for everything.” A plan, “Serendipity,” whatever you call it, “it” has found Natalie in a big way. She credits “it” with leading Rick Parker and his daughter, Cassandra, into her boutique three years ago. Today, they are her partners in the French jewelry line Gas Bijoux and people she calls “dear friends.” “We enjoy this great city of Saratoga Springs together, attending charity events… His daughters Cassandra and Olivia have grown to be dear friends, and our history of being a widow and a widower makes it ever more special.” The designers, the socialites, the fundraisers, the trunk shows, the fashion shows, the Trunkettes… for Natalie, it’s all been part of the great plan that is her life. “The connections I can make for people has always been my life. Whether they meet someone they end up working with, meeting their next best friend, or whether we grow a line for someone, it’s my gift, I feel, to be the encourager, the connector. I’ve always felt that in my life. Saratoga trunk has been a vessel. It was an opportunity for me to buy a business that truly could have been a book store.” But it wasn’t a book store. It is Saratoga Trunk. “What better place to share this and make these connections and hopefully encourage and inspire and drink champagne than at Saratoga Trunk, ‘Where your style is our pleasure’.” And a pleasure for us all. that Natalie Sillery herself continues “looking up.”

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

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saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Ian Parker

AerialPhotographyOfSaratoga.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Francesco D’Amico

SUMMER 2015 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 119

Francesco D’Amico John Seymour

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SuePhotography.com

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

John Seymour

Francesco D’Amico

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Ian Parker

SUMMER 2015 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 121

Check here for updates... saratogacentennial.com

Date

Save the 2015

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 Re-dedication of the restored Spirit of Life in Congress Park

4PM - 5PM June 26, 2015 will mark the centennial of the Spencer Trask Memorial and in preparation, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) has partnered with the City of Saratoga Springs to restore this nationally and locally significant memorial.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27 Freihofer’s Jazz Festival (see page 49)

THURSDAY, JULY 2 Opera Saratoga presents La Cenerentola

The Spa Little Theater in Spa State Park 7:30PM Opera Saratoga opens the 2015 Summer Season with Rossini’s beloved version of Cinderella. Based on Perrault’s timeless fairytale, La Cenerentola features plenty of magical enchantment; the ridiculous, over-the-top situations and toe-tapping melodies that you expect from the master of comic Italian opera; and heartfelt emotion to bring together this story of forgiveness and true love. The ultimate rags-to-riches tale, it’s a Cinderella story... but not quite as you may know it!

Kid Rock, SPAC

FRIDAY, JULY 3SATURDAY, JULY 4 Saratoga’s All American Celebration,

Downtown Saratoga Springs, 9AM–9:30PM Fireworks, a parade, BBQ and Dessert Festivals, live music, a car show and more! For more information visit www. saratogajuly4th.com .

Dave Matthews Band SPAC

JULY - AU GUST

SATURDAY JULY, 4

FRIDAY, JULY 10

SATURDAY, JULY 18

Firecracker4 Road Race

Opera Saratoga Presents “The Long Walk” The Spa

Art in the Park, Congress Park,

Saratoga Springs City Center, 9AM– 12PM Start the 4th with an invigorating run through the beautiful streets of Saratoga Springs. Race features live entertainment along the course, awards, prizes, refreshments, large vendor courtyard, goody bags and awesome race shirts. For more information visit www.firecracker4. com.

MONDAY, JULY 6 Opera Saratoga Presents “Dido and Aeneas”

The National Museum of Dance 8:15PM Opera Saratoga is thrilled to present the first Baroque opera in the company’s history in a truly unique production under the stars! One of the earliest English operas, Dido and Aeneas is one of Purcell’s foremost theatrical works. This heartbreaking opera recounts the love of Dido, Queen of Carthage, for the Trojan hero, Aeneas, and her despair when he abandons her. The combination of exquisite vocal music and extensive use of dance has inspired many interpretations of the great score. For more information visit www. operasaratoga.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 7 Opening Night: New York City Ballet - All Balanchine SPAC, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, 8PM The New York City Ballet returns to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 7-11. For more information visit www.spac.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 9 Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty Septet, Zankel Music Center

Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall 8PM Free for students and children Featuring Mike Rodriguez (trumpet), Jimmy Greene (tenor saxophone), James Burton III (trombone), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Paul Bollenback (guitar), Doug Weiss (bass), and Dennis Mackrel (drums).

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Little Theater in Spa State Park 7:30PM The Long Walk is a new opera by composer Jeremy Howard Beck and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, which is based on Brian Castner’s critically acclaimed book of the same name. The opera is a deeply personal exploration of a soldier’s return from Iraq where he served as an officer in an Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit and his battle with what he calls “the Crazy” as he tries to reintegrate into his family life upon returning from the war. Opera Saratoga is honored to present the world premiere of The Long Walk in partnership with American Lyric Theater. For more information visit www.operasaratoga.org.

SATURDAY, JULY 11 Wilton’s Community Day: ParkFest 2015, Gavin Park

Saratoga Springs, 11AM – 9PM Gravity, Sylvia Flectcher Comedy Ventriloquist, Chris Clark Bike Stunt Show, Bryson Lang Comedy Juggling, F&F Pig Racing, rock wall climbing, pony rides, Balloon Gal Jenny, amusement rides, Dog Agility Show, wine tasting, great food and more!

MONDAY, JULY 13 Ballet 422, Bow Tie Cinema, Saratoga Springs 7PM

From first rehearsal to world premiere, BALLET 422 takes us backstage with the New York City Ballet as Justin Peck, a young upand-coming choreographer, crafts a new work. BALLET 422 illuminates the process behind the creation of a single ballet within the ongoing cycle of work at one of the world’s great ballet companies. After 75 minute film there will be a post film conversation with Justin Peck.

THURSDAY, JULY 16 Country Night, The Newberry

Music Hall 7PM-9PM Every Thursday. Come line dancing with host Kevin Richards from 100.9 The Cat.

Saratoga Springs 10AM– 5PM Presented by Saratoga Arts, featuring up to 70 artists from the greater Saratoga and Capital Region. This year’s event will include local music, great food and a Kidz Art Zone. Free. For more information call (518) 584-4132 or visit www.saratoga-arts.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 21 The National Ballet of China SPAC (see page 52)

FRIDAY, JULY 24 Saratoga Racing Season Opening Day, Saratoga Race Track, Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, 11AM Get ready for another thrilling season of racing. For more information visit www. saratogaracetrack.com or www. nyra.com.

Hats Off to Saratoga Festival

Multiple Locations throughout Downtown Saratoga Springs, Friday and Saturday 7-11PM Each year, the city comes together to celebrate the beginning of track season with live music, good company, and of course, hats! Free.

Def Leppard, SPAC

SATURDAY, JULY 25 Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Sanford (101st Running): $150,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); 2YO; Grade: III Diana (78th Running): $500,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Turf); F&M 3&UP; Grade I

SUNDAY, JULY 26 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Coaching Club American Oaks (98th Running): $300,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F3YO; Grade: I

Brad Paisley, SPAC saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

MONDAY, JULY 27

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Lucky Coin (2nd Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ Furlongs (Turf); 4&UP

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Shine Again (2nd Running): $100,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); F&M 3&UP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

Opening Night- The Philadelphia Orchestra

Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga A.P. Smithwick Memorial (Steeplechase, 19th Running): $100,000 Purse; 2 1/16 (Turf); 4&UP; Grade I Honorable Miss Handicap (24th Running): $200,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); 3&UP; Grade II

Tedeschi Trucks Band SPAC

THURSDAY, JULY 30 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga John Morrissey (12th Running): NYBred; $100,000 Purse; 6 ½ Furlongs (Dirt); 3&UP

FRIDAY, JULY 31 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Curlin (7th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3YO

Slipknot, SPAC

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (31st Running): $350,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); 3&UP; Grade I Amsterdam (22nd Running): $200,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); 3YO; Grade II Jim Dandy (52nd Running): $600,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3YO; Grade: II

The Australian Pink Floyd Show, SPAC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Smirnoff Sorbet Caress (7th Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); F&M 4&UP, Shuvee Handicap (39th Running): $200,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F&M 3&UP; Grade: III

MONDAY, AUGUST 3 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Coronation Cup (4th Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); F3YO saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

SPAC (see page XX)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Quick Call (8th Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); 3YO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga National Museum of Racing Hall Of Fame (31st Running): $200,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 3YO; Grade III

6th Annual Wins 4 Kids

Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs 12PM-5PM Join Easter Seals New York as we support the 6th Annual Wins 4 Kids event, a fundraiser for Camp Colonie program, local summer camp program that has enabled over 20,000 people with disabilities or special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. This ‘On the Rail’ event at the Saratoga Race Track is the perfect opportunity for celebrating the accomplishments of the Easter Seals New York community while enjoying an afternoon of live horse racing, exquisite cuisine, silent auction, and networking! General ticket: $165 / Youth Ticket: $115

Ballston Spa Film Festival

Iron Spring Park, Front St. and Ballston Spa High School Auditorium, Friday and Saturday. A familyfriendly festival which draws film entries from around the neighborhood… and around the globe and it’s free to attend, so that families with children can have a fun night (or two!) with little expense. An outdoor, open-air festival. Bring your own chair, get comfortable and enjoy quality films from around the world. Free. For more information visit www.bspfilm. org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Fasig-Tipton De La Rose (12th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); F&M 4&UP

Lure (2nd Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 4&UP Fasig-Tipton Waya (16th Running): $200,000 Purse; 1 ½ (Turf); F&M 3&UP; Grade: II Longines Test (90th Running): $500,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); F3YO; Grade: I

The Whitney

Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs 1PM www.nyra.com/Saratoga The Whitney, one of North America’s premier races for older horses on the dirt, will top the card of a blockbuster day of racing that includes five stakes. Past winners have included legendary names such as Discovery, War Admiral, and the great Kelso. $1,250,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3&UP; Grade I.

The Philadelphia OrchestraPixar in Concert, SPAC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Alydar (3rd Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 4&UP Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Opening Night at SPAC Performances through Tuesday, August 25. Visit www.spac.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Fourstardave Handicap (32nd Running): $500,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); 3&UP; Grade: II Adirondack (99th Running): $200,000 Purse; ½ Furlongs (Dirt); F2YO; Grade: II

Brantley Gilbert, SPAC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Toyota Saratoga Special (110th Running): $200,000 Purse; 6 ½ Furlongs (Dirt); 2YO; Grade: II

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Saratoga Dew (12th Running): NYBred; $100,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F&M 3&UP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Bolton Landing (1st Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); F2YO

MONDAY, AUGUST 10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Stakes Race

Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course NYSS CAB Calloway Division (9th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); 3YO Joe Bonamassa, SPAC

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 Nickelback, SPAC

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Union Avenue (12th Running): NYBred; $100,000 Purse; 6 ½ Furlongs (Dirt); F&M 3&UP New York Turf Writers Cup (Steeplechase, 73rd Running): $150,000 Purse; 2 3/8 (Turf); 4&UP; Grade: I

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Birdstone (5th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 ¾ (Dirt); 3&UP

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course NYSS Statue of Liberty Division (12th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); F3YO

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Maker’s Mark Lake Placid (32nd Running): $300,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Turf); F3YO; Grade: I

Saratoga Race Course www.nyra.com/Saratoga Schenectady (1st Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); 2YO

Upbeat on the Roof: Bear Grass, The Tang Museum at

Skidmore College 7PM Free. Bear Grass attracts listeners with the quirky songs of Katie Hammon. Featuring Hammon with Ian White, August Sagehorn, and Tommy Krebs, Bear Grass draws on influences like Laura Veirs and Wye Oak, creating melodic, captivating, and, at times, subtly dark music. Also: Free curator’s tour with Imaan Riaz ‘15, 2014-15 Eleanor Linder Winter ‘43 Intern.

SUMMER 2015 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 123

Date

Save the 2015

JULY - AU GUST

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Stakes Race

Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course Troy (12th Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ (Turf); 3&UP. See nyra.com/Saratoga

Alabama Day , Saratoga Race

Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs The historic Alabama highlights Saturday’s card. The 135th running of the Alabama anchors an outstanding day of racing. Three of the last four Champion Three-YearOld Fillies have made the Alabama a key victory in their outstanding campaigns. $600,000 Purse; 1 ¼ (Dirt); F3YO; Grade: I. See nyra.com/Saratoga

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Lord & Taylor Tale of the Cat (2nd Running): $100,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); 3&UP See nyra.com/Saratoga

MONDAY, AUGUST 24 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Summer Colony (2nd Running); $100,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F&M 3&UP. See nyra.com/Saratoga

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Saratoga Race Course Albany (38th Running): NY-Bred; $250,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3YO Fleet Indian (1st Running): NY-Bred; $200,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F3YO Funny Cide (1st Running): NY-Bred; $200,000 Purse; 1 ½ Furlongs (Dirt); 2YO. Seeking the Ante (1st Running): NY-Bred; $200,000 Purse; 6 ½ Furlongs (Dirt); F2YO Yaddo (35th Running): $150,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); F&M 3&UP West Point presented by Trustco Bank ( 36th Running): NY-Bred; $150,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 3&UP. See nyra.com/Saratoga

Upbeat on the Roof: Annie and the Hedonists, The Tang

Museum Skidmore College 7PM Free. Annie and the Hedonists interprets the songs of the great female blues artists of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, such as Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie, and Billie Holiday, among many others. Featuring musicians Annie Rosen, Jonny Rosen, Peter Davis, and Don Young, their styles include western swing, bluesy country, and roots Americana.

SATURDAY AUGUST 29 The $1.25 Million Travers

SPAC

Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs This is Saratoga’s biggest race - the one you don’t want to miss - the 146th running of the Travers Stakes, the “Mid-Summer Derby” for threeyear-olds at a mile and a quarter. First post-time is 11:35AM and gates open at 7AM. $1,250,000 Purse; 1 ¼ (Dirt); 3YO; Grade: I

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Stakes Races

Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course John’s Call (12th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 5/8 (Turf); 3&UP See nyra.com/Saratoga

5 Seconds of Summer

Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Riskaverse (7th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); F3YO See nyra.com/Saratoga

Saratoga Race Course Sword Dancer Invitational (41st Running): $1,000,000 Purse; 1 ½ (Turf); 3&UP; Grade: I Ballerina (37th Running): $500,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); F&M 3&UP; Grade: I Ballston Spa (27th Running): $400,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 3&UP; Grade: II Forego (36th Running): $700,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt) 3&UP; Grade: I Personal Ensign Invitational (66th Running): $750,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); F&M 3&UP; Grade: I King’s Bishop (31st Running): $500,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); 3YO; Grade: I See nyra.com/Saratoga

124 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

26th Annual Saratoga Bridges Day

Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs Held on Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course, this event includes premium seating and hospitality with a delicious buffet and beverage service at The Carousel Restaurant. Ticket price ($145) includes one complimentary cocktail per person, general admission to The Clubhouse and a Post Parade Program. Join us while we enjoy the thrill of the most exciting day of Saratoga’s racing season.

Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, SPAC

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Smart N Fancy (4th Running): $100,000 Purse; 5 ½ Furlongs (Turf); F&M 3&UP See nyra.com/Saratoga

MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Better Talk Now (2nd Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 Mile (Turf); 3YO See nyra.com/Saratoga

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Counting Crows, SPAC 7PM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course With Anticipation (11th Running): $200,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 2YO; Grade: II See nyra.com/Saratoga

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course P.G. Johnson (11th Running): $100,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); F2YO See nyra.com/Saratoga

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Evan Shipman ( 32nd Running): NYBred; $100,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3&UP. See nyra.com/Saratoga

The Doobie Brothers & Greg Allman, SPAC

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Woodward Day

Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs The historic Woodward highlights Saturday’s card. The 62nd running of the Woodward anchors an outstanding day of racing on the final Saturday of the meet. $600,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Dirt); 3&UP; Grade: I

Stakes Races

Saratoga Race Course Glens Falls (20th Running): $200,000 Purse; 1 3/8 (Turf); F&M 3&UP; Grade: III. Saranac (109th Running): $300,000 Purse; 1 1/8 (Turf); 3YO; Grade: III Spinaway (124th Running): $350,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); F2YO; Grade: I. See nyra.com/Saratoga

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Final Stretch Festival

7PM-11PM Free Downtown Saratoga Springs comes alive once more on closing weekend of the Saratoga Race Course. Bands of all genres populate downtown.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Stakes Race

Saratoga Race Course Prioress (68th Running): $300,000 Purse; 6 Furlongs (Dirt); F3YO; Grade: II. See nyra.com/Saratoga

Zac Brown Band, SPAC

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Closing Day of Saratoga Race Course- Stakes Races

Hopeful (111th Running): $350,000 Purse; 7 Furlongs (Dirt); 2YO; Grade: I. Bernard Baruch Handicap (57th Running): $250,000 Purse; 1 1/16 (Turf); 3&UP; Grade: II See nyra.com/Saratoga

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, Saratoga Performing

Arts Center, Saratoga Springs The Saratoga Wine & Food Festival is a three-day destination event located in world-class Saratoga Springs, New York. Quickly becoming known as the most original and exciting Wine and Food Festival north of New York City, Saratoga Wine & Food Festival provides over 250 premiere wine and food exhibitors, invitation-only, along with one-of-a kind seminars. Proceeds from the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival benefit the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s children’s education program. For more information visit www.spac.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“Super Roxy” by Tracey Buyce Photography

YADDO Y

Garden Tours

addo Garden Tours not only include sharing the history of the Trask family, the mansion and the history of the gardens, but the aura, spirituality and creative energy that permeates Yaddo is discussed. Docent-led tours begin at 11:00 am, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, starting on the weekend of June 20th, running through September 6th, 2015. There will be no tour on Travers Day. We meet at the main fountain near the entrance gate to the gardens. Tours last about one hour. Cost is $10.00 per person. Private docent-led garden tours may be arranged at a date and time convenient to your group.

Travelling

with your pooch?

Milton Manor Pet Spa & Resort 612 Route 29, Middle Grove (518) 587-6673, www.miltonmanor.com

24 HOUR ENERGENCY VET CARE

PetSmart 3033 Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs (518) 580-9374, petsmart.com

Northway Animal Emergency Clinic 35 Fawn Rd., Gansevoort (518) 761-2602 northwayanimalemergency.com

PET BOARDING Milton Manor Pet Spa & Resort 612 Rt 29, Middle Grove (518) 587-6673 miltonmanor.com

GROOMERS All Breed Grooming By Liz 636 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs (518)584-0195 Brown Dog Pet Spa & Grooming 40 Park Place, Saratoga Springs (518) 306-6460

SPECIALTY PET SHOPS Benson’s 3083 Rt. 50, Wilton (518) 584-7777 bensonspet.com Dawgdom 35 Van Dam St. Saratoga Springs (518) 306-6600 dawgdom.com PetSmart 3033 Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs (518) 580-9374, petsmart.com Sloppy Kisses 425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-2207 sloppykissesofsaratoga.com

For more information, 518-584-0746 or yaddo.org.

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BACK TO

THE BEACHFRONT WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SARATOGAPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

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“G

reat Scott!” Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown from the film, Back to the Future, would say if he saw Brown’s Beach today. His first impression likely being that he had travelled back in time. Boaters were bustling about, kids were joyfully running through the thick sand, and from atop his perch, the lifeguard kept a watchful eye out while twirling his whistle around on his fingers. What this really is however, is a glimpse of the future. Thanks to funding from Global Foundries and others, the guidance of Town of Stillwater’s Supervisor Ed Kinowski, and the work of those including Panza’s Restaurant Group, this Saratoga Lake property is experiencing an encouraging resurrection.

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“Brown’s Beach was an amazing destination point when I was a kid. As times changed… it really declined. We want to bring back the glory days. The lake is clearer now…and people really wanted access to the beach, there was a hunger for it,” said Tony Panza of Panza’s Restaurant. (Flip the page to read more about Panza’s Restaurant and see how this legacy started.) Already in the business of pleasing hungry people for 77 years, Panza’s has now opened Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern and a small inn above it, appropriately named The Nest on Saratoga Lake. In operation less than a year, they are already adding a new dimension to how people spend their time on the lake.

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Two giant Adirondack chairs sit outside by the free-to-the-public Brown’s Beach, an oversized reminder that all are welcome, reinforced by the “Welcome” sign crafted from rope by the entrance to Dock Brown’s. Inside, the soft grays and weathered whites in the open dining room are warmed with light woods, full windows and an expansive mural. Dock Brown’s serves casual contemporary American cuisine on a first-come, first-serve basis at the bar, inside the dining room and outside on the deck. Given the nature of guests to flow in from the courtesy dock, the 7 beach-cottage themed rooms in the inn above, and as walk-ins, it made sense to eliminate the reservation system to better accommodate guests.

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“We’re still getting our sea legs and have been trying to work out the kinks,” explained Panza. The menu, also available as take-out, is keyed in to the warm, summertime feeling at the lake, and has nice options with a unique, modern twist. Appetizers include favorites such as chicken wings, but also alternative options such as fish tacos and roasted Brussel sprouts. For a soup and salad lunch, there are the garden, cobb or Caesar salads but also a plate featuring beets, arugula and quinoa, served with a champagne vinaigrette. Glutenfree buns are on hand for sandwiches, which range from the traditional burgers to smoked pulled pork and the wildly popular lobster rolls. Sitting down for dinner will treat you to steak, chicken, fish and pork selections with an added feature that isn’t on the menu; the stunning sunset view.

Perched on the south end of the 5-mile long lake, diners can enjoy a view of the lake activities during the day and the Saratoga lights at night. “From the deck, that view is just spectacular,” said Panza. For more information on Dock Brown’s Lakeside Tavern, room availability at The Nest on Saratoga Lake and Brown’s Beach go to BrownsBeachResort.com

Dock Brown’s

511 NY-9P | Saratoga Lake (518) 306-4987 | BrownsBeachResort.com

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PANZA’S:

“THE COOKING YOU WERE CRAVING” WRITTEN BY HELEN SUSAN EDELMAN PHOTOS BY SARATOGAPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

“...they allowed their cooking to do the talking for them”

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n a city of traditions, it’s something special to actually be one – and that’s exactly what dinner at Panza’s has come to be. Thriving for 77 years as a family-owned establishment – or, as Panza’s describes it, “incredible, edible years” – is no small feat, especially using THE SAME BRICK OVEN that Ma Panza cooked in when the restaurant first opened under the name The Starlight Room. She and her husband, Joseph, didn’t even speak English when they arrived in New York from their home in Napoli, but “they allowed their cooking to do the talking for them,” recounted the Panza family, including using secret recipes from the old country and producing their unique brick oven-baked pizza. A smash hit in these upstate hinterlands. Five generations later – yes, five! – the Panzas are still cooking up a storm. Oh-so-sure-of-himself Simply Saratoga publisher Chad Beatty, his plucky wife, Kim, and my favorite pre-teen, their dry-humored son, Keegan, and I met there on a recent Saturday night, just before the regular crowd – a jovial crew that was gathering as we left - to break bread (warm and soft) and argue about who is right and who is wrong on a variety of topics. (Keegan wisely stays out of these conversations, knowing that there’s no way to win an argument with people who will never change their minds, fact notwithstanding.) The 64-milliondollar-question is: Why do we keep having dinner together, when we keep clashing? The answer is: The clashes are superficial; the friendship is deep. Then there’s the stuff we agree on, like that the food at Panza’s is famous for good reason – wow – dinner blew us away! The Beattys beat me to the restaurant and they were hungry, partly from the anxiety of having left behind a leaky swimming pool. So, they had leapt right into Brian’s Stonebridge; fried Buffalo-style calamari ($10.95). Luckily, those hungry Galway residents had left a few for me. The spicy calamari absolutely require you to sit up and take notice – this is not an appetizer for the faint of heart. Have water saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

on hand, if you’re not used to hot food. The plate full fed us all, especially because we knew there was more to come from the kitchen, so we didn’t gobble them up in a frenzy. My parents used to warn me, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach,” because they were constantly worried I would take way more than I could eat – so I always think of this when I’m confronted with an enticing, beckoning menu that whispers, “Try a little of this and a little of that. More of this and more of that. More, more, more.” I have to close my eyes and focus in on just a few items. We all had to do it. You can tell when the waitperson is standing there – in this case, the fabulous and beautiful Maddie – and we’re all saying, “You go first; no, you go first,” because nobody wants to give up reading the choices and weighing options. But it came, the moment of reckoning. Kim ordered first. Shrimp Alexander (Dijon and horseradish-rubbed, baconwrapped shrimp with fried spinach and garlic butter) ($12.95; available as a full entrée for $24). I eyed her plate rather boldly and dug in; she drew back, deftly avoiding my fork. Ever true to the mission of an Italian restaurant, she followed with a half- order of pasta ($12.95/$17.95 for a full plate), which she didn’t regret for a moment. Interestingly, there was some left over – a homage to the quantity of the ample portions. Chad went for Grilled Bruschetta – chopped tomato, fresh basil and garlic butter ($10.95), then the authentic Chicken Parmigiana ($18.95), with mozzarella, marinara and penne. I was trying to save room for dessert, so I started slowly, with Panza’s Insalata Mista, house salad with Italian dressing ($4.95) and revved up for Aunt Celia’s Eggplant Parmigiana, with penne ($18.95). Okay, maybe I should have gone for something besides the parm, since that was what Chad had ordered, but when I saw the ingredient “eggplant,” I was hooked beyond rational thought. It was perfect. Keegan, a truly committed carnivore, went for the 14.oz. New York Strip Steak with frizzled leeks and homemade Worchestershire sauce ($30). Because he’s a member of the Clean Plate Club, he ate it all up, smiling the whole time. This is his other strategy for staying out of the fray. He is a serious foodie, when it comes to serious meat. We talked and talked and talked, touching on various subjects including our different views on editorial style, parking on Broadway, always a hot topic about which saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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we never disagree, because there’s never enough; medical ethics (boiling down to: Just because you CAN do something, does that mean you SHOULD?); and then about a fascinating and astute man I met recently at a Saratoga Film Forum board meeting -- Jon Dorflinger, a Saratoga Springs native who worked in Hollywood on films including “Seabiscuit,” “The Terminal,” “Team America” and “Memoirs of a Geisha,” but who has come back home and established the Saratoga Film Academy, headquartered at the Saratoga Independent School, offering hands-on training in screenwriting, directing, producing, cinematography, and more for middle-school and high-school aged kids. (If you have a child in your family interested in making a movie, go to www. saratogafilmacademy.com for details. Even though he’s working out of SIS, kids are welcome from all schools, or who are homeschooled.) Welcome home Jon! What a great opportunity for the young adults in our community! I know, I’ve gone off on a tangent – back to the menu. Sorry, sorry. But wasn’t it exciting? You can quell your hunger pangs with appetizers like Lobster Ravioli in tomato basil cream sauce ($11.95), Clams Casino with bacon, vegetable medley, panko and lemon butter ($10.95), Beans & Greens with sausage and grilled bread ($10), or Ma Panza’s Meatballs with Pecorino and San Marzano tomatoes ($8). And more! In fact, there wouldn’t be anything wrong with going back and ordering a few appetizers instead of an entrée, just to test the variety. My salad was basic, which was exactly what I was in the mood for, but you can get creative with a classic Caesar, with

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parmesan, anchovy and croutons ($6.95); or even as a dinner, with chicken ($14.95) or shrimp ($18.95). Salad Bryant is a wonderful concoction of mixed greens, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, Bosc pears, with balsamic vinaigrette ($8.95); Panza’s Antipasto includes salami, capicolla, pepperoni, provolone and marinated veggies ($11.95) – that’s not all of them, but you’ll just have to get in your car and drive out to Saratoga Lake if you want to get the rest of the story. I’m not going to give away the whole plot. Pasta, pasta, pasta. Lotsa pasta: There’s Linguini and Clam Sauce, red or white ($19.95) – you can add shrimp for $3 apiece, or scallops, also for $3 apiece; Fettuccini Alfredo, with parmesan butter, cream and black pepper ($17.95/ half-portion, $12.95); Penne Pasta a la Jillian, with broccoli, chicken, sausage, reggiano with sundried tomatoes sautéed in extra virgin olive oil and browned garlic ($19.95, half-portion, $12.95) and several others. Again, get in the car and take a little drive out to the lake. I’m not going to do all your homework for you. Entrees offer an incredible variety (no, you don’t have to have parmigiana). Chicken or Veal Piccata, with shallots, mushrooms, capers with lemon white wine sauce ($19.95/$21, respectively); Crispy Long Island Duckling a la Flike served with fighoney glaze ($23) – veal, shrimp and diver scallops. Yup, you guessed it, time to make a reservation. And the classics – Chicken Tuscany with roasted mushrooms, escarole, Roma tomatoes, red peppers, coulis and white beans ($21), Grilled Pork Chop Ma Panza with vinegar peppers, balsamic syrup or brandied apples ($21)…I won’t say it again, but set your GPS for 510 Route

9P, Saratoga Lake (across from the newly opened Brown’s Beach). We somehow also had dessert – unbelievable – ordering two for the table. Carrot cake, which was 100% delish and I wanted one more bite, but left some behind, and a dense chocolate cake that was chocolate at its best and most powerful. After all that, there were take-home bags and for the record, dinner was just as good the second time. Panza’s has commanded attention for so many decades it’s inevitable that the restaurant has drawn some big names, including Willie Shoemaker, Eddie Arcaro, Liberace, Cab Calloway, Alex Trebek, Lloyd Bridges, Ronald Regan, Rupert Murdoch, Alexander Haig, B.B. King and Frank Sinatra, on a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g l-i-s-t of celebrities. None were there when we were, but it didn’t matter. We were treated like VIPs.

Bravo!

Panza’s Restaurant

510 Route 9P | Saratoga Lake 518-84-6882 | PanzasRestaurant.com facebook.com/panzasrestaurant Catering and party room available.

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Pachter Photography

JK Photography

Saratoga Families... Shawn Morgan

WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON

osey Kakaty jokes that, “We’re not from Saratoga, but we got here as soon as we could!” Josey has roots in Montreal and Maryland while her husband, Joe, is a native of Rome, New York. After meeting at a work conference, the Chicago and Maryland-based duo dated long distance for a while, but after the events of 9/11, they decided that it was time to be together in the same place. Josey explains, “There are moments in life that bring an awareness, a reality check. 9/11 was one of them” The Kakatys settled in Upstate New York in part because of Joe’s grandmother. He and his brothers always had a special bond with her and wanted to live closer as she grew older. Joe felt Saratoga Springs, and all it has to offer, would be the perfect place to live. Soon after, he and Josey became Spa City residents. Joe also recruited his brothers, Steve and Paul, and when his parents retired, they also became part of the master plan. Josey says, “The goal is to get everyone to move to Saratoga!”

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Joe and Josey are the proud parents of three children: 12-year-old Kenny, 10-year-old Isabella, and 8-year-old Joey. All three kids plus four of their cousins attend St. Clement’s School and Josey says they’re extremely close. “At the end of the day, the teachers joke that they can’t separate all the cousins because they’re all kissing and hugging and hanging out together,” she explains. The Kakatys are very active in the St. Clement’s School community. Every other week Josey volunteers as the school’s hot lunch crew leader and says of the all-volunteer operation, “We’re very discerning – we like to choose healthy and organic foods whenever possible.” The family also has a passion for making music together. They’re very active in the Saratoga Children’s Theater and the three kids have formed “The K3 Band” with Kenny on guitar, Isabella as the vocalist, and Joey on the drums. You can catch their act at quarterly open mic nights at places like Gaffney’s and Café Lena. As far as their set list, Josey says, “They have a lot of influence from Mom and Dad! We grew up in the 80’s, so there’s plenty of Poison, Tom Petty, and Def Leppard.”

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When they’re not jamming out, the Kakatys look forward to family gettogethers. Josey is Sicilian and Joe has Irish and Arabic heritage, so they enjoy emphasizing their unique backgrounds during the holidays. Josey says, “On Christmas Eve we have everyone over and celebrate our Arabic heritage with special dishes like stuffed grape leaves.” In fact, Josey says, “Wild grape leaf season is coming up, so if you see a family on the side of the road picking grape leaves, it’s probably us!” While they’ve always loved the area, a recent move has made them appreciate Saratoga even more. Back in 2013 the family relocated to Nevada briefly for Joe’s work and Josey says, “The move forced us to really examine our lives and reminded us what’s important; having our families together and always keeping our priorities in order”. When they returned to Saratoga,

they decided to take a minimalist approach to housing and bought a condo downtown. They now love being within walking distance to all the great things Saratoga has to offer. Most importantly, they value the sense of community that the area provides. Josey explains, “After living outside of Las Vegas for a year, we returned to Saratoga, and I finally allowed my shoulders to rest. It just feels like a safe place.”

JK Photography

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STOP THE INSANITY FINDING YOUR CENTER IN THE MIDST OF STRESS MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ,

LCSW-R

ow is your summer going so far? Are you taking time to enjoy the warm summer evenings and letting yourself relax and unwind? Are you finding it hard to believe it’s July already and you have not had a moment to breathe and soak up the sunshine? Stress can chip away at our internal coping mechanisms physically, emotionally and spiritually and eventually lead to feeling detached and numb from the people, places and things that used to be a safe haven for refueling our energy levels. Any physician will tell you that high emotional stress levels left unchecked will put a strain on your immune system and eventually, lead to a body that is more susceptible to break down from sickness and disease. When you feel the inability to relax, unwind, calm down and really enjoy the moment, STOP and take some time to get back to center. The longer you let your stress level run wild, the harder it is to get back to center.

healthy food or a good night’s sleep. Knowing what makes you feel centered is essential to stress management. If you are not sure what your center is, take the time to explore the people, places and things that leave you feeling rejuvenated and restored. Center can be as simple as focusing on your breath, or an activity such as gardening or playing chess. Perhaps center for you is connecting with a loved one that speaks wisdom and hope into your life, or a place that has significance and brings you a feeling of peace such as the beach or a hike in the mountains. Whatever center means to you, take time to cultivate and nurture your spirit toward your center. Often times when we experience high levels of stress, even nurturing the things that bring us a sense of peace can seem like one more task we have to accomplish. Our bodies and minds are so used to operating at 99% stress and anxiety that it feels impossible to come back “down” to the present moment.

“When you feel the inability to relax, unwind, calm down and really enjoy the moment, STOP and take some time to get back to center.”

Center is the place where you feel yourself moving with the flow of life. You enjoy your relationships and take time to laugh and do the things that bring you peace. You are able to generally balance the responsibilities of day to day life, but you are not consumed with anxiety and pumping with adrenaline moving from one task to the other. When you are functioning from your center, you are able to effectively solve problems in a way that allows you to move forward without anxiety and fear. Center can mean different things for different people. For some, back to center can be as simple as taking time to organize your personal space. For others, center can be daily exercise, eating

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This is when we are most susceptible to periods of insomnia, restlessness and low grade depression. We may feel moody and short tempered and struggle to enjoy the things that once gave us a sense of pleasure. This is also the time when we may have more strife and poor communication in our relationships with our colleagues, spouses, friends, children or all of them combined. Don’t make the mistake of stressing over stress. Simply acknowledge the fact that you are fried, get off the treadmill of insanity and walk, slowly and mindfully back to center. Accepting and acknowledging the level of stress and anxiety present in your life is the first step in making your way back to center. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Often times I hear people say, “I don’t have time to SLOW DOWN! Everything will fall apart!” It is a fact that stress left unchecked can lead to physical and emotional break downs. Don’t wait for your life to fall apart - stop, recognize and accept responsibility for your current emotional state. Have a strategy in place to help you move back toward your center. Simply making a decision to go to bed earlier, stretch more and drink water throughout the day can be a simple way to ease your way back to center. Living each day with a simple set of tools to keep you grounded, healthy and in-tune with your body can save you from getting into the cycle of feeling like every day is a struggle. Don’t wait until you are exhausted and depressed to find your way back to center. Make it a habit to do what you need to do to start each day from a place of strength and peace. My hope for you today is to feel centered these last few weeks of summer. Make time TODAY to enjoy the sunshine, take a dip in the water or visit your local ice cream shop. Let the warmth of the summer season draw you slowly toward your center leaving you feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. Knowing what center means to you and how to reconnect with peace in the present moment is absolutely essential to enjoying life! Wishing you a summer full of peace, laughter and CENTER!

Meghan Lemery Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlemery@yahoo.com

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FORGOTTEN STORIES OF HIGH ROCK PARK A CAVE, A GENERAL, A KING, AND RATTLESNAKES. WRITTEN BY CHARLIE KUENZEL OF SARATOGA TOURS, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE SARATOGA SPRINGS HISTORY MUSEUM

Growing up in the area of High Rock Park in Saratoga Springs during the 1950’s and 60’s were wonderful times. Those lazy summer days of spending the majority of the day out of the house exploring or playing with your friends was just the best. High Rock Park was close to our house and the stories of what occurred there were many. The most fascinating stories, to me, were the ones that included the Native American tribe, the Mohawk. The stories of fierce warriors and the early days of Saratoga Springs made walking the area of High Rock Park even more exciting.

he stories that intrigued me the most were the tales of the cave found in High Rock Park. When I was young, the entrance to the cave was still visible although secured by a sturdy iron gate that was locked to prevent entrance. As I peered through the iron bars of the gate into the cave I could see a narrow passage and hear running water further in the cave. The story told was that this cave was used by the Mohawk to travel from the area of Glen Mitchell (the area today behind the Maple Avenue Middle School) to High Rock Park. We all knew that the Mohawk visited the High Rock Spring to take the waters. Our city seal depicted these visits with a Mohawk family drinking the famed healing waters. Further stories told of a Mohawk camp on the high ground behind Maple Avenue School. Therefore, it was logical that the Mohawk would travel from the encampment to their beloved High Rock Spring, and by way of a hidden underground path, was even better for the imagination. The entrance to that cave has now disappeared from sight. Today, covered by soil and vegetation, all we have left are the stories. The location of the entrance to that cave was near the old Van Raalte Knitting Mill, which has been rehabbed and is now known as “The Mill” (photo above). As you look at the front of The Mill the cave entrance would be about 100 feet on the left side of the hill that rises 140 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

from the south-western end of the parking lot and continues up to Maple Avenue. High Rock was first visited by a European in 1771, when Sir William Johnson, an agent for Indian Affairs for the Crown, was brought to the spring by his Mohawk friends to use the waters to help restore his health. Soon after his visit he helped to broker a deal that allowed other settlers to visit and eventually stay. The area around High Rock Park was the first area of development in the city, and was known as the Upper Village. That same year, Dirck Schouten built a crude cabin that operated as a tavern and boarding house among the native white pines near the spring. This was a very wild area with many accounts of deer, moose, panthers and wolves. Schouten left the area in 1773 after a disagreement with the Mohawk and John Arnold, from Rhode Island, continued the business, starting in 1774. Arnold’s guests were reported to have slept in hammocks, since the large rattlesnake population was known to visit the tavern. The rock face of the fault visible at High Rock made a great spot for snakes to nest and sun themselves. After the Battles of Saratoga, Alexander Bryan, a scout for the Continental Army, opened a tavern and boarding house on the site of the Old Bryan Inn offering accommodations to visitors of the High Rock Spring. In 1783, General Washington was in Newburgh, waiting for the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement to end the American Revo-

lution, when he decided to take a tour of the northern battlegrounds including Saratoga. On his return from the northern most battlegrounds he visited General Phillip Schuyler, who brought him to High Rock Spring. That year Schuyler had constructed a wagon path from the Schuylerville area to High Rock (most of it today is Rt. 29 East) and had erected on site, a tent for the summer. Washington was so impressed with the spring that he made an offer to purchase the spring, but that was unsuccessful. In 1824, Joseph Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon, and once King of Spain and Naples, visited Saratoga Springs. Joseph Bonaparte was very impressed with many aspects of Saratoga Springs and he also tried, unsuccessfully, to buy the High Rock Spring because of its healing powers. Not once but twice we rejected offers to buy the famed spring. First the “Father of our country” and then a European king were rejected from acquiring part of our great city. These are but a few of the many “forgotten” stories of Saratoga Springs, centered on the High Rock Park area. The next time you visit the Farmers’ Market, or the 9/11 Memorial, Tempered by Memory, try to stop and imagine a High Rock area that was very different 200 years ago… An area of fierce warriors, caves, rattlesnakes, and visited by a future President and famed King of Europe.

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9 MILES EAST:

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER

orthumberland farmer Gordon Sacks is on a mission. One in every eight Americans eats pizza every day, he says, so his goal is to make it a healthy meal. The astute Sacks, who had a distinguished marketing career before establishing 9 Miles East -- a humming vegetable farm and commercial-grade catering kitchen on the edge of Schuylerville -- identified an underserved regional niche: busy people who don’t have the time (or inclination) to shop at the farmers market and cook up healthy meals, but who still want to feed their families superior, nutritious food, or grab a great salad for lunch or after a workout, without having to stand still to chop up veggies. And, to intensify these demands, this group of consumers wants convenience, reliability and speed. Sacks wants to make one thing very clear: “This is not just for people who don’t want to go to the farmers market or cook because they are

WRITTEN BY HELEN SUSAN EDELMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED

on the golf course – though some may be – it’s for people running their kids around to activities, or working a second job – this is for anyone in a time crunch.” Undaunted -- actually inspired – by the challenge of satisfying these needs, Sacks, along with his wife, Mary, a teacher at the Saratoga Independent School, and their lovely daughter, Clare, established 9 Miles East in 2004, spending the first years rotating the cover crops to improve the soil and installing drainage. As time passed, on that farm Sacks had a cucumber, ee-i-ee-i-o. And then a tomato, a zucchini, a pepper, lettuce and herbs, ee-i-ee-i-o. “Nothing exotic,” he points out. “I don’t want customers opening up their bags and saying, ‘What is this? I don’t know how to cook it.’” Neither of the Sacks had a background in farming; instead, Gordon’s lifelong passion for local food and curiosity about local food systems fueled his prescient determination to make it work. “What existed here was a system for a population that wanted to bring home a box of vegetables, but there were all these other people who would rather have a cooked lasagna,” says the Storrs, Conn. native, who adds that contrary to popular belief, Storrs has more cornfields than squash courts. For eight years after putting his first stake in the ground, Sacks juggled thinking like a marketer full time by day, hired staff he trusted to keep things going while he was in a suit and tie and took on whatever was necessary at night and on weekends. Finally, last year, he felt 9 Miles East was on sure enough footing for him to leave his day job and throw himself full time into farm operations.

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Now, he and 13 employees are on the job from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., every day of the week. The truth is, he’s still thinking about marketing. “No one was going to die and leave me a farm,” he says. “If I wanted to do it, I was going to have to do it from scratch. This was an enormous investment of time and money, all to serve customers.” The bet paid off – his brilliant business model grew 500 percent (that is not a typo) from 2013-2014. “I realize that’s not sustainable,” he says with a laugh, “but let’s just say the business is growing rapidly. People are really responsive. You offer them high-quality food and they like it, they want it. That part of it isn’t complicated. I don’t have the problems a restaurant has. I don’t have 15 things on the menu. I don’t have to figure out what to have on hand in case someone wants it. In my kitchen, we choose one thing, based on what’s fresh, and spend all day making it right. We are the top of the funnel here. We make good, healthy food easy.”

Haygroves – British-made, three-season structures – each the size of a football field – that shelter his blooming plants. “This is as close to a protective bubble over my land as I can afford,” he says, referencing the perils of “climate change,” which he talks about as “hotter hots and colder colds.” Back up the hill, in the kitchen, Gordon Sacks has shifted his focus from the cultivated earth to a computer mounted on the kitchen wall. That’s where the online orders are streaming in. “We make it efficient,” he says. “You just enter your information – there’s no music blaring in the background, so that the person taking the call gets it wrong. You pick what you want off the menu, and we’ll deliver it, to your house, seven days a week.” Go to www.pizzadelivery.farm to test it out.

He worries that the area has become overly saturated with farmers markets and that some of the small farms will fail because of it. “I know that my sentiments are not popular, but you can see the evidence,” he notes. He credits his success partly to working for social good – bringing better-tasting local foods to local tables as pizza, for example, made with New York state flour, cheese from Schenectady and, when 9 Miles East needs more tomatoes than he can grow on his own property, his neighbors’ produce. “It’s awesome,” reflects Sacks, stepping into his four-season high tunnel, an unheated greenhouse, which smells just like zucchini, even before summer. His pleasure is deep and real, and so, too, is his pride when he looks across the unpaved road to his three

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How to access 9 Miles East meals: • Get a Subscription. Weekly delivery of ready-to-reheat entree and side dish or salad made with ingredients grown on the farm. It’s like a CSA subscription, only customers receive a finished meal, rather than a box of ingredients. “Our goal is to harvest, cook and deliver within 24 hours, so customers get extremely fresh, delicious, healthy meals,” says Sacks. Customers receive one family-size meal (feeds about four) each week, delivered to their home or office, for $35 per week. The focus of the meals is on the quality and freshness of produce and herbs, with inspiration from around the world -- sweet pea risotto one week, vegetable curry the next. • Workplace Wellness. 9 Miles East delivers healthy meals, called GO Boxes, to offices, schools and other workplaces yearround. The farm will set up regular weekly delivery for any workplace where 10 or more people generally buy a meal each week. No subscription, commitment or prepayment necessary. In season, customers can also get GO Bags of freshly harvested vegetables grown on the farm. This workplace service has grown dramatically, as companies recognize the value of providing healthy options for their teams. • Sports Nutrition. Athletes are busy and nutrition-conscious. The farm delivers coolers full of healthy meals to their homes, offices and gyms each week, so they can focus on training, as well as stocks display refrigerators in select local gyms, so members can enjoy convenient, healthy meals after their workouts. Locations include Contemporary Athlete in Clifton Park, Reform Pilates and Saratoga Health & Wellness in Saratoga Springs, the Glens Falls YMCA, CrossFit Round Lake, Freestyle Fitness and Yoga in Guilderland and, soon, the Troy YMCA.

The kitchen is absolutely spotless, even during meal prep time. Things are whirring along, nobody is getting in anybody else’s way. There’s a walk-in cooler packed with GO Boxes – the wonderful meal gems that 9 Miles East delivers to various sites in the region, from Queensbury to East Greenbush, and everywhere in between. Why is it working so well? “Hey, we didn’t invent pizza and salad and Chipotle didn’t invent the burrito,” he says. “We’re just doing it excellently. Nobody has a patent here. In fact, I’m planning to expand over toward Boston. There’s no demand there yet but we’ll create some. I’m not afraid of competition. I’m not trying to become a national brand here.”

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• www.pizzadelivery.farm “People are ready for pizza, salads and soups that are healthier and made with higher-quality, locally sourced ingredients,” says Sacks, “so we imported a special mixer from Italy and started making naturally leavened, sourdough crust pizza using flour grown right here in New York state, tomatoes from our farm and our friends’ farms in season, and cheese from Cappiello Dairy in Schenectady. We want to give people the opportunity to make a small change, from industrial pizza to a hand-made local product, and see the flavor and health benefits of eating local. Response has been great. We deliver to the Saratoga Springs/Wilton/ Gansevoort, Schuylerville/Greenwich areas seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and customers love the convenience of online ordering, as well as the quality and flavor of the pizza.” There’s even an app to download to order from your phone: text 9MILE to 33733 and you’ll be able to get local food delivered by pressing a button. More than pizza is delivered through this service: Customers can order salads, soups and stews made with high-quality local ingredients, as well as bags of freshly harvested seasonal vegetables grown on the 29-acre farm. • Catering. 9 Miles East caters special events, either on the farm or at the customer’s location, including homes or workplace meetings. 9 Miles East is, for Sacks and his family, the ultimate hands-on experience. He smiles and blinks his eyes, musing, “Yes. Hands on. Many hands on.”

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WATER IS THE

elixir of life.

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

ur human bodies are comprised mainly of water. It held us in the womb, nourishing us with its magic and music. We build our homes along its shores, escaping to it for comfort and recreation. But can water be effective as a medication? Historical artifacts reveal that societies have been congregating by treasured water sources for thousands of years. Prescribed for wellness by physicians around the world, today, European health insurance companies support water therapy as both a treatment for ailments and a preventive measure that can significantly increase one’s life expectancy and quality of life, according to local water wellness expert Aime “Trent” Millet. Rare access to some of the purest, most ancient waters is available in Saratoga. Being one of only two places in the country with active carbonated mineral springs, and the only place East of the Mississippi River where it is available, demand surged during the Victorian era for these special waters, drastically tapping out much of the supply. There was a rush to bottle it, and thousands of visitors a day came to “take the cure” in a ritual of drinking and bathing in the waters. Beneficial to both the physical body and one’s psychological wellbeing, the mineral waters reportedly sooth skin conditions, eliminate toxins, increase blood flow, allow greater flexibility, and balance the body’s digestion and nervous systems. Despite now being fewer in number, the mineral springs operating in Saratoga still offer up these therapeutic waters from deep within the earth. The word “spa” comes from the Latin, “Sanitas Per Aquas”, which means health through water. Saratoga has been known as both “the Spa City” and the “Queen of Spas”. It has been forged by the hallmarks of history, with the majesty of miracle waters that continue to thrive.

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versary, she said that they have been working to maximize resources since their restoration in 2004, and it shows. Expert service is combined with the authentic healing waters (which are also available for drinking) in an enchanting environment drenched in history. “We fell asleep, but we’ve woken up again. People have been coming together to support us because people need it, they really need it,” she said.

Walking down the long arched corridor of the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, a dignified brick building with elegant white trim located on the spacious grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park, I am reminded by the classic architecture that I’m about to enter into a place of learning. Patrons of the park can be seen jogging along the shaded trails, reading on the grassy lawn, or playing golf on the gentle terrain of the neighboring course. The high ceilings in the spa’s reception area are a grand invitation to take a deep breath, for I have entered a haven infused with history and hydrotherapy. Along the walls are shelves displaying natural bath products for sale, coolers stocked with Saratoga Juice Bar’s cold pressed juices and Saratoga waters, and racks of t-shirts branded with the slogan, “Love this Life.” The bold black and white tiling found throughout the structure tells of the building’s beginnings; it was first established in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The spa has 42 private rooms, each with its own cushioned message table and bathroom. It also houses a sauna, lounge, full-service salon, and provides a menu of nature-inspired treatment options including mineral baths, massages, facials, scrubs, and body wraps. Ayurvedic wellness, yoga, acupuncture, emotion, and healing through magnetic and light therapy techniques are also available. Baths are available by reservation only, and are requested more than any other treatment… averaging 200 baths a day!

fervescent and mixing it with tap water to warm it to a comfortable bathing temperature creates its brownish hue. The spa has the area’s only access to the distinguished Lincoln spring water, which has high levels of minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, but no sulfur, so there was none of that smell. The historic cast-iron tubs are set four inches into the ground, allowing my body to be completely submerged in the naturally effervescent waters. With a towel to rest my head on and my toes just touching the tub’s rim, I was able to float in the water with ease as bubbles tingled up my skin, tickling it, before escaping to the surface. The carbonation worked to make my body buoyant and my skin slippery beneath the water, while soothing pan flute music played in the background; intermingling the fun of bobbing around like an ice cube in a glass of soda, with a deep relaxation that was disrupted only briefly by the loud sounds of the building’s ancient plumbing system. Drifting off in the aquatic bliss, I began to think of things like the dinosaurs that lived at the same moment as this amazing water … when a soft knock at the door came along with the offer of a warm towel. “This is a diamond of a spa,” said Spa Director Kim Rossi at our interview afterward. Traveling to partake of spas around the world, she made a weekly ritual of bathing at the Roosevelt Spa before coming to work here in 2011.

I was afforded the opportunity to take one of the mineral baths.

“It’s some of the best waters on earth. It’s significantly special,” she said. I agreed, jubilant at the feeling of my noticeably smoother skin.

Carbon dioxide causes the water to be ef-

In the midst of planning the spa’s 80th anni-

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logo designed by Deborah Neary

ROOSEVELT SPA & BATHS 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Wednesday, July 22, 2015, Starting at 4 p.m. FREE, Family-friendly event, Open to the public & on the park grounds • Mineral springs tours • Mineral water tasting • Local historian to host talk on the geology of the springs • 6 p.m. Garden Soiree with twinkling lights, cocktails and light fare • 1930’s Jazz music • Candlelit lawn labyrinth • Outdoor movie screen featuring historic spa photographs • And more special surprises!

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“a whole body wellness experience” WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

o balance out the history of the area’s mineral waters is the city’s newest spa. In fact, it is their mission to create balance at Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness.

Complexion is a word derived from the Latin word “complexi”, referring to the balance of the body’s temperaments, and Complexions is a spa that wants to create a whole body wellness experience. The first thing I see as I enter the spa, located within the stylish and upscale Bonacio building on Broadway next to Congress Park, is the intricately balanced silver bubble light fixtures gracing the reception area. The modern space has a sleek design with a youthful blend of 100 percent natural beauty products for sale. The rhythmic sounds of soothing music guides me as I walk past the full salon areas downstairs, and up the curved staircase into the darkened hallway that leads to therapy rooms above. The trendy, fresh blue walls are mixed with deep brown colors, creating a feeling of warmth in the space. Decorative elements, including a small recessed fountain, and translucent window coverings with cascading white patterns evoke the movement and vitality of water. Already operating an established spa in Albany, N.Y., owner Denise Dubois said it was Saratoga’s special waters that originally encouraged her to expand into the region. “I was drawn to Saratoga because of the waters, absolutely,” she said. The natural water enhances the variety of therapeutic and beautifying treatments available. These include cleansing and refreshing techniques for the entire body. For instance, the mild mineral waters are mixed with mineral powders for the spa’s balneotherapy baths to restore and revitalize the body. Herbs are used to enhance the healing waters and offer additional benefits. The “Metta” suite features a couples tub and side-by-side message tables, creating an experience centered on loving kindness. The

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multiple showerheads on the Vichy shower offer massaging water relief after many of the spas full body treatments, as well. It’s pampering with a purpose. During their initial consultation, guests are encouraged to complete a profile and are given a professional evaluation so their goals can be identified. An individualized spa program is designed to guide them toward their desired results. Home care recommendations are suggested to support the in-spa treatments and facilitate achievements. With a focus on full-body wellness, guests are given a plush robe and slippers, and are offered a custom organic tea blended to evoke feelings of relaxation and peacefulness. They are invited to spend unhurried moments in the serenity of the curved beds in the spacious indoor, or sun-drenched outdoor, relaxation lounges. For spa members, this restful entrance is followed by a steam in the sauna and a deluge cold plunge cycle that can be repeated up to three times. Depending on each guest’s wishes, this can all take place before their scheduled treatment even begins. Open at their Saratoga location for less than a year, Complexions’ approach toward a complete, balanced, and healthy body already seems to be working. At least while I was there, everyone I saw leaving the spa seemed to have a bit of bounce to their step; maybe because there’s something a little extra in the water.

COMPLEXIONS SPA FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS 268 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS 518-306-5502 COMPLEXIONS.COM

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One Park... Endless Options WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA DECKER

ver on this side of the park, the grass is a little greener these days.

The sands are brighter and whiter, glimmering under the summer sun. Even golf balls are finding their way into the hole a little easier at the Saratoga Spa State Park golf course. These wondrous things aren’t happening because golfers have wandered into a magical world, they are the result of careful planning. “We’ve done a great deal here already and we’re in the process of polishing what we’ve done,” said Bill Richardson, owner of Professional Golf Services Inc. Since 2002, Professional Golf Services has been operating the recreational golf and concession areas at the park through a license agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. During that time, many improvements have been made. These include the building of the golf shop, which retails golf supplies and provides rental equipment, and the purchase of machinery to better maintain the grassy surfaces at the Par 29 executive course, the full-grass driving range, and the 18-hole championship course. Golfers are now enjoying the recent completion of Phase I of another large project.

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“It’s really great stuff within the context of golf,” said Richardson, who entered into his position through what he calls a natural progression, and a love of the game that started with becoming a certified member of the P.G.A. in 1996. He began this latest project by hiring Barry Jordan of Jordan Golf Design of Manilus, Onondaga County to redesign aspects of the park’s historic championship course which originally opened in 1936 and was redesigned in the 1950’s. “Expectations for putting surfaces were very different 60 years ago then they are today,” said Richardson. Today’s hard-to-deliver perfect rolling pace of the ball is determined by the smoothness of the surface, which is marred by the course’s consistent heavy foot traffic each year. “It is very difficult to keep the grassy areas alive and healthy. One of the big goals for years has always been to keep improving the putting surfaces,” he said. A rebuilding of the sand bunkers has also taken place. The entire front nine, as well as holes 12 and 17, all have restructured bunkers. In many instances this means moving them, shaping and contouring the edges, adding drainage, removing the old, dirty sand and adding fresh new sand. Still not fully grown in, players are already appreciating the changes. “People love it, they couldn’t help but notice,” said Richardson. This fall, Phase II of the project will begin. This includes reworking the rest of the bunkers and the eagerly anticipated rebuilding of the severe sloping at the 10th hole green. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“This is taking the golf course to another level. My goal is to make the course as nice as possible,” he said. Previously voted by Golf Digest magazine as a 4-star course and listed in their July 2012 issue as one of the ten best courses in the country under $55, the transformed Saratoga Spa golf course is giving golfers even more bang for their buck. “Fees are not going to change significantly because of this work. It was a best value previously and it’s going to be a far better value because of this work,” said Richardson. What’s happening out on the course is just a slice of the changes taking place in the park. Often considered the 19th hole, the historic golf house building, home to the clubhouse bar, Catherine’s in the Park restaurant and adjacent areas by the elegant Victoria Pool are also being transformed, both inside and out. The Golf House has become a lot of different things over the years, but many of the structure’s original features, including the exterior brickwork and quality interior wood craftsmanship are still visible. Working in conjunction with the state to preserve the historic character of the property, in the last few years Catherine’s has been remodeled from the ground up. The windows were refurbished and the floor, electrical, plumbing, ceiling and kitchen equipment have been replaced and upgraded to better serve the restaurant’s increasing number of patrons. “This is like the center of the universe for the park for a couple months,” said food and beverage manager John Rudd.

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Golfers, park and concert goers, as well as those there to swim at the pool, congregate here. During the hottest months of the year, it’s the Victoria pool that is the summer place to be within the park, with lines streaming out the door and people bustling to get in by the time the pool opens in the morning. “People are very passionate about this pool, and what’s happening out there is huge,” said Rudd about the work that has already been done and the renovations that are scheduled to take place in the future. This summer, the public can see the new black iron tables and chairs, and forest green table umbrellas that have been set up outside. Inside the golf house, black and brown laminated tabletops and upholstered chairs accommodate diners. People are streaming in from all corners of the park to partake of the satisfying fare at Catherine’s. With a menu of summertime food and drink options ranging from sandwiches and burgers to complete dinner plates, with competitively priced brews and refreshing cocktails from the second bar on the pool deck, there is something for almost everyone. An iconic Saratoga location for weddings, rehearsal dinners, baby and bridal showers, the cozy 1930’s style Ice Cream Parlor event room seats 72 on their plush chairs. A cozy setting beneath the high ceilings, brass light fixtures feature suspended glass balls and delicate metal stars. Equally suited to the bells and whistles of a formal affair or the flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts donned during a casual gathering, the gorgeous environment has another added appeal; the option to wander off and explore the park’s other amenities, as well. Richardson added that the changes taking place are much like watching a child grow up; if you’re not there to witness it yourself, you won’t believe your eyes. Saratoga Spa Golf Course 60 Roosevelt Drive Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 518-584-2006 saratogaspagolf.com

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Meet some of the awesome park staff! Thank you Brianna Melanson for these great photos

Nicole McGreevey, Elijah Heath

Danielle LeBarron, CPO

Alex Bannon, Serving drinks

Matt VanAnerongen, Frank Raponi

Julia Pratt, London Sperry, Kerri Hollowood, Ashley Rosebrook

Georgia Grambas, Serving Steve Williams

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photo by Rachel Neville

The Newest

Ballerina WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER

Watching her older sisters practice in the ballet studio is what first sparked 3-year-old Jacqueline Bologna’s love of ballet. “I love the music and even in class at a young age I could see how it was a real team effort. Everyone has to work together to make what is really a moving picture. It is amazing,” said Bologna. Until the age of nine, Bologna studied at the Ballet Workshop of New England before moving on to dance with the Boston Ballet. She spent her summers watching the New York City Ballet (NYCB,) perform at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC.) So inspired by it, as a teenager, Bologna joined the summer program at the School of American Ballet (NYCB’s feeder school) and then was selected for their full program before serving as an apprentice. This winter she continued her whirlwind career, signing on as a contracted company member with the NYCB and performing multiple roles in “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center. Now 18, when she returns to the region, Bologna is recognized and stopped on the street. “It is such a great feeling,” she said. Celebrity has only heightened her joy of simple things, such as visiting with her family and listening to her Uncle’s band, Sugar Pill, perform locally. Raised as a Christian, her dancing is a form of worship, she explained, that provides fun physical and emotional satisfaction. Excited to dance in as many roles as possible, she still derives inspiration from those magical moments spent watching from the lawn at SPAC as a

“

she still derives inspiration from those magical moments spent watching from the lawn at SPAC as a child.

photo by Rachel Neville

”

photo by Sabi Varga

child. These memories include NYCB dancer Sterling Hyltin’s elegance in company’s version of Romeo and Juliet, and a serendipitous moment during a point in the performance of “The Concert” when the dancers on stage opened their prop umbrellas at the same instance that the sky above the outdoor auditorium opened up and poured down rain, as if the dancers and Mother Nature were completely in sync. Feeling blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to dance to George Balanchine’s expert choreography, Bologna said those who go to see the NYCB at SPAC this summer will best be able to appreciate it by not just focusing on her, or any of the dancers individually (which is easy to do), but by taking in the patterns within the performance and seeing the whole picture they are working together to paint. The New York City Ballet performs at SPAC July 7th through the 18th, 2015. A full schedule can be found by going to http://www.spac.org. photo by Sabi Varga

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Carriage House Chronicles The

Story by Chelsea Silver, home photos by Randall Perry

Living Large

Hi, I’m Chelsea Silver...

on a Small Lot

And as some of you may know, I have a blog called The Carriage House Chronicles, where I feature various design, architecture, lifestyle, and art inspirations I find while living in the beautiful and historically rich city of Saratoga Springs. I come by my love of collecting and house obsession honestly—my parents have been flipping and building houses since I was five-years-old and my grandfather traveled the world collecting art and antiques. I also love a nice, “raw canvas” and I would probably never buy a “turn-key” home. My first and current homes were both big renovations and even my store (Silverwood, Home & Gallery; which I own with my mother), was a total renovation. Although I can certainly see the appeal of buying something that is done, I just love a good project! Now I’ve got a new “project”— adapting my blog into a series for the award-winning Simply Saratoga! 156 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

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Apparently “no” was not an answer Rachel and Tommy Uccellini were willing to accept when they decided to buy a

small lot in town and build on it. It took the couple almost a year to get plans approved to build on the narrow, non-conforming Granger Avenue lot. Even with one of the city’s best builders behind them, it was an uphill battle to the end, but they finally succeeded and built the home of their dreams, just an easy walk to all that downtown Saratoga has to offer. This is a success for everyone, in my opinion. The home’s design is timeless and was so beautifully built that, like many other John Witt homes, people often think the house has been there all along. Homeowners Rachel and Tommy Uccellini Photo by Chelsea Silver

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The other remarkable thing about this home is how spacious it actually is, inside and out. It “lives” very well for a young, active family that loves to entertain. The plan is fairly simple, but it works very efficiently. Tommy and Rachel are good friends with John Witt, who built and designed the house, so they virtually handed him the reigns and let him run with it- “he knows us and our lifestyle, so we fully trusted his design”, Tommy recalls. “We also chose John because he’s from Saratoga, he’s never leaving Saratoga, he just has a passion for [this city].” Tommy and Rachel also like the small lot size, since it offered a single-family option for living in town but without a ton of maintenance or wasted space. “When they poured the foundation, some of the guys thought it was for a swimming pool. When it was finished they said, ‘Wow, you really made something out of nothing!” The main floor features a massive, open kitchen and dining area, complete with a wet bar, pantry, and deep, dreamy window seat. The living room is large and airy, with beautiful French doors that open to the side yard and patio. With their first child on the way (and smartly anticipating all the stuff that children often accumulate), Rachel also had Witt design built-in shelving and storage pretty much anywhere it made sense, including around saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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They painted the pantry door panels with charlkboard paint- perfect for grocery lists and reminders!

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the living room’s handsome stone fireplace. In fact, the built-ins, custom closets, and nooks continue throughout the home, making the storage in this house quite enviable (and good thing, since they just had baby number two!). Tommy and Witt even schemed up a secret wine room underneath the stairs on the lower level, that is hidden behind a moving “wall” of shelves. Something tells me that Tommy’s little girls may commandeer that amazing space as a play house in the not too distant future… Since the home was slotted to be featured in the 2013 Parade of Homes, Witt enlisted interior designer, Elizabeth Tanny to help with design. Working with Rachel’s directive of “Nantucket, coastal, and open with soothing colors”, Elizabeth created just that- a house that is reminiscent of a gorgeous coastal home without being overtly “oceany”, with sea shells and anchors. The oak

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These shelves are actually a secret door to the owners’ wine celler.

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floors were stained a gorgeous soft, matte grey color that totally reinforces the entire feel. Witt, who apparently LOVES purple, even got his way in one room- Rachel let him paint the ceiling a soft lavender-blue called “Wishfull Blue”. It’s a sweet touch in an utilitarian room often forgotten in the scope of design. The dark blue-grey of the home’s exterior is perhaps the only unexpected color exception- it’s bold but still tasteful and classic. Come to think of it, now knowing Rachel and Tommy, it makes perfect sense.

Decorator Elizabeth Tanny’s Favorite Sources for the Uccellini’s: • Home accessories from Homessence • Lighting from Wolberg Electric • Furniture from Pottery Barn and William Sonoma Home

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GARDENING WITH

PETER BOWDEN

WHY DO WE GARDEN? Here we are all nestled into the middle of our growing season. It is now that we can enjoy the reward for all the effort we put in earlier this season. Even still, as summer begins, there are seeds to sow in the vegetable garden for late summer and fall crops. The spring pea crop is finished and soon a second round of seeds will go in. Seeds of radishes, beans, carrots, Swiss chard, beets and more will all get a second planting in mid-summer as spring crops are harvested to make space for them.

These are the days we relish. The morning “coffee tour” of the garden is always a wonderful way to start the day. Then, after a day spent in the world of man, it is a special joy to return to the calming gardens. There is always something new to see. Perhaps the lilies’ flowers have finally appeared or the rose has started her display. The vegetable garden will provide fresh greens or beans or tomatoes for the evening meal.

Fresh vegetables from the garden are food for the body. The gardens provide food for the soul as well, in the form of colorful flowering plants. The flower progression of the perennials rolls along with peonies, lilies, daisies and more. Roses are blooming and will continue to until fall. The annuals we planted in spring are hitting their stride giving us non-stop color to revel in. There will be a few new plants added over the summer. They may be plants discovered as the perennial selection changes with the season at the garden center. Gardening friends will also share treasures from their gardens and those delights will find a home in the beds as well. There is always some new color or form that catches the eye that will fill an unoccupied space in the collection. Now, as the list of spring chores is finishing, the work in the summer garden lightens up. There is some judicious watering to do and some weeds to pull. Deadheading is an ongoing project to keep the blooms coming and there will be mulch to spread. Even the lawn will give us a break as the frenzied growth of spring slows during the warm, drier days of summer.

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Summer Seed Sowing

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Bean Seeds Being Planted

Beauty of a Beet Leaf

Mona Lisa Asiatic Lily

Monarch on Milkweed

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Golden Cherry Tomato

Freshly Sprouted Beans

Hen and Chick Flower

Yellow Yarrow

Red Yarrow

These are the special hours of summer; the quiet time we spend being among the plants, along with all the bees, butterflies and other creatures. We are reminded that we are not just a part of the world of man. We are a part of another world too… The world of leaves and blooms, sunlight and shadow. This is the world that created us and spending time in it is something we all need, to remind us who we are and to recharge our spirit. The question of “Why do we garden?” is so easy to answer right now. Gardening allows us to participate in the natural world and create food for our bodies and food for the soul. That’s really it, isn’t it? Creation. As our Native American brothers and sisters would say, “May you walk in beauty”.

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Thalictrum or Meadow Rue

Red Raspberries

Osteospermum

Homegrown Strawberries

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ENTERTAINING

Made Easy!

Whether you are picnicking trackside or in the backyard, these simple combinations are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

A friend shared this chicken marinade recipe with me years ago & I have tweaked it throughout the years. It’s a big hit in my house & it’s great served fresh off the grill or on a picnic from the cooler. The left-overs can be turned into a delicious chicken salad giving it a whole new twist!

CHICKEN MARINADE • 2 - 3 pounds chicken • 2 tablespoons sea salt thighs, boneless & skinless • 1 tablespoon McCormick • 1 cup white vinegar poultry seasoning • 1/2 cup light olive oil • 2 eggs

• 2 teaspoons white ground pepper

Add the olive oil, eggs, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning into a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together. Place the chicken in a glass baking dish and cover with the marinade. Or, put everything into a large freezer bag. You don’t have to marinade over night with this recipe, a couple of hours before grilling is all that is necessary. Grill & serve! Chicken: You can also use the boneless, skinless chicken breast. Simply cut it half lengthwise & pound it before marinating. If the chicken is not fully covered in the marinade be certain to turn it half way through the marinating process. Time Saver: Prep the meat right after you purchase it, mix the marinade and then freeze it in the marinade. As it freezes & thaws it marinates making it a great last minute grab from the freezer with unexpected guests & keeps entertaining easy on busy days.

Jodie Fit z

ORZO SALAD • 1 lb. orzo pasta uncooked

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 5 oz. feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder

• 2 – 3 cups finely chopped spinach

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 32 oz. chicken stock

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 5 tablespoons light olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cover the orzo with the chicken stock in a saucepan. Stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Bring the mixture to a light boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to cook the pasta stirring frequently until the orzo is fully cooked. Add stock as needed. (The orzo absorbs the spices & the stock as it cooks & you will have to replace the stock a little at a time until the orzo is fully cooked – you will not drain it when it’s done cooking). Let the orzo cool completely in the refrigerator. Stir the remaining olive oil & vinegar together. Toss the oil & vinegar mixture, along with the cut spinach & feta cheese into the cooked orzo. Serve chilled. NOTE: This meal is perfectly paired with a simple fruit salad with seasonal summer finds.

Dessert made simple is always the best! This recipe is deliciously easy & will be the hit of the picnic

CHOCO-LICIOUS STRAWBERRY DIP • ½ cup white chocolate or dark chocolate morsels

• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract • Fresh Strawberries

Left-overs: If there are any left-overs, simply dice it up, add in a little mayo & just a bit of finely chopped Vidalia onion & serve it up on a bed of lettuce or your favorite bread, pita or wrap.

• 4 oz. whipped topping, frozen

This salad goes perfectly with this marinated chicken dish, but is equally fantastic to bring alone to any function. You can even add left-over diced chicken into the left-over salad to serve for the next day’s lunch.

Thaw the whipped topping completely. Melt the chocolate in a glass dish for one minute. The chocolate will not look fully melted until you stir it together and melt it the rest of the way. Let the chocolate set for a minute so that it’s not scalding hot when added into the whipped topping. Fold the melted chocolate, whipped topping and vanilla extract together.

Wash and hull the strawberries. Core the center with a paring knife. Cut off the tip of each strawberry so that they individually stand on a platter or in a travel container for picnicking.

Fill either a Ziploc sandwich sized bag or a piping utensil with the dip. Fill the strawberries just before serving.

You can always catch what’s going on in our lives at www.jodiefitz.com and www.facebook.com/jodiefitzcooks, or check out my new cook books coming soon! 168 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

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cturally SPEAKING A photographic essay on the architecture of Saratoga Springs. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARATOGAPHOTOGRAPHER.COM

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Canfield Casino For over one hundred years the city of Saratoga Springs has billed itself as “the city in the country”. A thriving cultural hub with a world renowned race track, mineral springs, entertainment and “main street USA”. As the city enters its 100th year, it is still valued for the features which attracted visitors a millennium ago. Situated in the center of town, within Congress Park, stands the Canfield Casino an heirloom of the past. Overflowing with history and memories, it is still a grand setting for fine affairs today.

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The Casino was built in 1870 by the legendary boxer and gambler John Morrissey to include a gambling parlor, bar, library, and salons. The impressive Morrissey had his architect design a hidden staircase by which he could commute between floors unnoticed. His large brick ornate Italianate exterior structure with fine hand crafted interior woodworking and moldings, was a tribute to the finest Victorian New York City architecture of the day. Due to the gambling restrictions at the time, Saratogians were restricted from entering Morrissey’s gaming house. Today the city owned casino is open to the public for party and event receptions. The “Canfield” Casino derives its name from the New York City gambler and visionary Richard Canfield who purchased the property in 1894 for $250,000. Canfield immediately embarked on the task of embellishing the building and grounds to create a highclass gambling house envied the world over. No expenses were spared in the refurbishing of the three story red brick Victorian building. The new decor included sparkling crystal chandeliers, marble table tops, historic paintings, Tiffany glass windows and the largest seamless rug in the world commissioned for the appointments. One million dollars alone was spent on the surrounding grounds and landscaping including the Italian garden and the fountain “Spit and Spat”.

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In 1903 Canfield called upon the renowned architect Clarence Luce to design the new great casino dining room. Luce used cherub topped pillars & cornices to add a touch of classical whimsy to the room. His placement of mirrors in the walls of the great hall create a sense of endless space. The new facility boasted not only new electric lighting, but summer air conditioning as well. A honeycombed vaulted ceiling above with Albrecht Durer designed stained glass skylight windows depicts the twelve signs of the zodiac. Under the guidance of Canfield, his casino became “the epitome of the age of opulence”. By 1911 the anti-gambling tide had swept over New York State abolishing the activity and forcing the Canfield Casino and other venues to shut their doors. The property was eventually purchased by the city of Saratoga Springs. The Casino is now home to the “Saratoga Springs History Museum” in which one can still view artifacts and memorabilia from the Victorian era throughout the three floors of the mansion. The casino is also the permanent home of the “George S. Bolster Collection”, an archive of photographs and negatives representing a century of images of Saratoga Springs and the surrounding communities. The Canfield Casino holds the honor of being enrolled in the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1987, was designated by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark.

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On any given day throughout the year, visitors from near and far can be found walking the gardens, strolling the park, touring the museum, investigating the archives, and attending events, functions or weddings in and around the building and grounds of a still viable and much loved Canfield Casino.

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WRITTEN BY BRIANNA MELANSON PHOTOS BY SUEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Street Classics Laura Howe and Sonia Susi, two 8th grade violinists, made their debut street performing on Broadway (across from Saratoga Gelato) this May. The pair instantly shoved the nerves away after a couple pieces. They had a blast, so don’t worry; they will be serenading all summer! Sonia explained, “Just walking around downtown we see a lot of other buskers playing music so we decided, why not?” Besides, being in downtown Saratoga is their favorite thing to do this time of year, in addition to The Track (Saratoga Race Course). Laura and Sonia both take lessons from Sonia’s mom, Tania Susi, the violinist of Spa City Duo. Their 8 years of experience allows them to play a range: classical, folk, gypsy and jazz. They will definitely be continuing violin throughout high school and beyond.

This gig had their violin case filling with cash. What are they going to put the money towards? “Sonia and I decided we’re going to give 10% of the proceeds to an organization called Kristen’s Kause (www.kristenskause.com). She’s my friend and 178 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | SUMMER 2015

neighbor who has cancer. We’re going to give some of the money to help the family out,” responded Laura. These generous two will be putting the rest in their college accounts. But money isn’t their top priority. They prefer people stopping and intently listening to their quality sound for a while. “We want to inspire other people to play classical music or an instrument, and enjoy the music, because a lot of people think that classical music is just for elders. We want them to appreciate the music, and just enjoy it and show that young people can like classical music too. I know the stereotype is that it’s boring, but we want to show that it’s really beautiful.” said Laura, who is also a Beatles fan.

The next time you’re downtown, listen for Laura and Sonia’s moving, classical notes. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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