Simply Saratoga Summer 2018 by Saratoga TODAY

July/August 2018

Simply...

Complimentary

SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Summer

2018

Brought to you by...

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SARATOGA

™

THE PEOPLE • THE PLACES • THE LIFESTYLE

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty

General Manager Robin Mitchell

Creative Director/ Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee

Magazine Designer Marisa Scirocco

Advertising Designer Morgan Rook

Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey

CONTRIBUTORS

Articles Samantha Bosshart Colin Cowie Thomas Dimopoulos Helen Edelman Alan Edstrom Jodie Fitz John Greenwood Carol Godette Himanee Gupta-Carlson Megan Harrington Dennis G. Hogan Charlie Kuenzel Meghan Lemery Fritz Dan Lundquist Brendan O'Meara Megin Potter Todd Shimkus LA Sokolowski Jordana Turcotte Maureen Werther

Photos Alice Corey Blackburn Portrait Design Colin Brennan Marco Borggreve Sharon Castro Cliff Oliver Jacob Crawfurd DGHPhoto Francesco D'Amico Lois Greenfield Konzerthauswen Paul Kolnik Alex Markow Lisa Miller Matt McDonald Kevin Mcavey Deborah Neary Image Photo and Events Super Source Media Terri-Lynn Pellegri Randall Perry Jan Regan Saratoga Photographer John Seymour The George Bolster Collection

SUMMER INTERNS

Authur Boyer, Kassidy Pancerella, Casey Reeder

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 © 2018, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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

COLIN COWIE For more than two decades, Colin Cowie has created parties and events around the world. With his finger on the pulse of the latest trends in food, décor and design, he is always focusing on the unique DNA of each of his clients. Cowie is the author of 10 books on lifestyle, hospitality and entertaining. Most recently, Colin has brought his five-senses approach to scenic Saratoga Springs. Contact Maureen Baringer at maureen.baringer@colincowie.com.

THOMAS DIMOPOULOS Thomas Dimopoulos has worked as a full-time journalist in the region since 1998. His stories have been distributed internationally by the Associated Press and have appeared in publications such as the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the San Francisco Chronicle and elsewhere. In 2015, he authored the book of short stories, "Saratoga Stories: Magic and Loss," and was a contributing writer and editor of the large-format book "SPAC 50: Celebrating 50 Years of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center." He is currently A&E editor and writer at Saratoga TODAY.

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

JOHN GREENWOOD John Greenwood is a leftover Saratoga milkman who loves to write, laugh and share stories. John and his wife Patricia have been holding hands since high school. By day he’s a Transportation Manager for Stewart’s Shops. On his off hours he’s an observer/writer/blogger who is quite content taking a walk or painting the side of his garage. Learn more at rainingiguanas.com

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

HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON Empire State College professor Himanee Gupta-Carlson grows vegetables and raises chickens, ducks and goats with her husband Jim at Squashville Farm in Greenfield Center. She writes and edits articles on the Saratoga Farmers’ Market for Saratoga Today, and coordinates a community garden and farm-to-pantry food donation program for the Franklin Community Center. Her book Muncie, India(na), on growing up as the child of immigrant Indians will be released next year.

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

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

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

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

BRENDAN O'MEARA Brendan O’Meara is a freelance writer and author of Six Weeks in Saratoga: How Three-Year-Old Filly Rachel Alexandra Beat the Boys and Became Horse of the Year. You can follow him on Twitter @BrendanOMeara or visit brendanomeara.com.

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

LA SOKOLOWSKI L.A. Sokolowski is recipient of the 2017 American Horse Publications Chris Brune Spirit Award, 2016 Syracuse Press Club sports -writing award, a 4x winner and 9x finalist since 2008 in the AHP Media Awards for excellence in equestrian sports journalism, and the original equinista (fashionista + equestrienne) covering the art, film, literature and lifestyles that celebrate our horse world.

JORDANA TURCOTTE Jordana Turcotte is a lifelong New Yorker and a Saratoga County resident since graduating from RPI. After staying at home for a bit with her children (now 10 and 8), she decided on the “rest of her life job” as Professional Organizer. Starting Simply You in 2008 fulfills a passion for organizing. When she isn’t organizing, you’ll find her volunteering at her kids’ school, being Mommy chauffeur or hanging out with her two rescue dogs.

MAUREEN WERTHER Maureen Werther is the owner of WriteForYou, a professional freelance writing service specializing in business writing, web and blog content, and creative non-fiction. Her articles, essays and white papers appear on the pages of businesses on the web and around the globe. She is also a regular contributor to numerous newspapers, magazines and journals throughout the Capital Region.

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Love hearing from you!

Welcome to

Summer in Saratoga

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

How cool that I just happen to be a sentimental pack rat that keeps things like this old menu from the Olde Bryan Inn?!

Oh, one more thing... I asked my go-to-guy on All Things Saratoga if he knew how the Oklahoma Track got its name - and he had the same version that I had heard others tell (so it must be true, right?!) Charlie (Kuenzel, our history writer) tells me, in that great story-teller manner of his… “The story goes… A long time ago, like 75+ years, a horse trainer was on the main track and was asked by another trainer, "Where are your horses stabled this year?" The trainer said, "Over there" and pointed west toward the training track. The other trainer didn't understand where he meant, so again asked "Where over there?"

I’m not sure how old it is, but my (still!) favorite Spinach Salad is listed as $3.50 - I’m thinking I’ve had this for quite some time!! Most likely, from my first visit in1985 when I moved to Saratoga. Obviously, I’ve been a fan from day one and it’s my honor to bring you this interview with Steve Sullivan (page 96). I love knowing that locals and tourists really enjoy this issue and I’ve tried to bring you a magazine that you will find useful - and who knows - maybe worth keeping around for a while : ) I’ve got everything you need in here and great personal extras, such as day trip suggestions (page 156), an awesome dining guide (broken up by category - page 119), local favorite activities (page 112) and introductions to some cool people that you’ll enjoy getting to know. Since Saratoga Springs is known as “the City in the Country” I’ve got some beautiful countryside for you - as seen through the floor to ceiling windows!! - of our feature for this issue’s Architecturally Speaking (page 161).

The original trainer said, "Across the street – and it's so far away it might as well be in Oklahoma!" Simply Saratoga Magazine exists to cover the people, the places and the lifestyles of the area. Luckily, we have Saratoga TODAY newspaper to cover the news…. I get to do the fun stuff! Thank you to our advertisers – they are the reason that we get to distribute these magazines to our tens of thousands of readers – for free! Please mention us when frequenting their businesses… The Saratoga TODAY magazine… Simply Saratoga! Whether you are a regular reader or are here for the season, I hope you enjoy this issue – thank you for picking it up! This really is the ideal vacation (life!) destination enjoy the season!

"You all must pick up the Spring 2018 Simply Saratoga - this is by far the most amazing issue of Simply Saratoga!!! I love all the articles and the fashion section!!! Nice article about the Hyde Fashion event with Kim Vanyo and Corey Aldrich written by Megin Potter. Really enjoyed reading the Fabulous and 50 – those pictures by Susan Blackburn are incredible!!! I also really enjoyed learning about author Laura Morton and Briana Lyons and her company, The Yellow Note. And as always, a wonderful article by Meghan Lemery Fritz! Lots more in there - really incredible job Chris !!!!!!" Eliza DeRocker – The Saratoga Closet, The Bride and Gown "Hi Chris, I just got a peek at Simply Saratoga and the magazine is absolutely amazing! I can't even begin to imagine the work that goes into these mags.You and your team do such a great job!! We are so proud to be a part of it!" Julia Howard - Market Administrator, SFMA Chad/Chris, I was at Adirondack Trust this morning and had an opportunity to pick up copies of Simply Saratoga. What an extraordinary job you all did covering the gala!We are so grateful for this support which will be incredibly important to increasing awareness of the work that we do in Saratoga Springs and beyond. You all are a most valuable part of our team! Robert E. Bullock - Make-A-Wish® Northeast New York

Here's your Saratoga

bucket list

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

•

Check out what “the locals” would suggest and try a couple. Choose an organization to support and attend their fundraiser (affectionately called “galas” in Saratoga Springs!) Take a walking “tour” around town, the parks or the track. Buy a Saratoga Souvenir Learn (& see) a little track history Visit at least two museums (we have many!!)

•

Love,

Chris

• Meet my new Magazine Designer Marisa Scirocco

• • •

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

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Cover credit

(clockwise from top left)

SPAC Frankie Flores SuperSourceMedia.com Cathleen V. Duffy

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THE TRACK 22 32 34 36 37 41

NYRA Saddle Towels Jockeys at the Museum Oklahoma Track Tours Mike Smith’s one lucky guy Women who Gallop

SPAC 47 49 50 51 52 54

NYCB & Gala Trinity Irish Dance Co. The Philadelphia Orchestra Live Nation Concerts SPAC on Stage An interview with Elizabeth Sobol 56 Evanessence

Simply...

SARATOGA

Table of Contents JULY/AUGUST 2018

SARATOGA POLO 69 The 120th season kicks off on Friday, July 6th GALAS & FASHION 75 Giving back is fashionable A GOOD READ 96 Saratoga’s gathering spot... The Olde Bryan Inn 100 People and Places LIFE IN SARATOGA 112 Locals suggest… 116 Have Kids? 119 Dining Guide 132 Don’t Leave Town …Without These! SUMMER FUN 139 Event Calendar through late September 150 Summer Reading …local authors, local topics 149 Local Lakes 154 Adirondack Trail Guide 156 Day Trips - all within minutes! HOME & GARDEN 161 Entertaining? We've got this. HISTORY 182 Post Time Memories with Dennis G. Hogan 183 Gone, but not forgotten …We love our history! • Photo by John Seymour •

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A GOOD READ saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

HISTORY

HOME & GARDEN JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 19

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MA PL E

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To SPAC

AV E

LENA

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Holiday Inn

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PUTNAM

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Visitor Center

Saratoga Central Catholic HS

YORK

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Congress Park

ST PE

Congress Plaza

LAFAYET

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Patron Parking

Canfield Casino

FRANKLIN

Congress Park Centre CON ST GRESS

Free FOLEY Parking Garage S P R IN G Arts Center Carousel

D W AY

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Library

RAILRO AD

NYS Military Museum

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Saratoga City Center

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To Skidmore College

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PARKING AREAS IN DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS

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Private Lot - Restricted Hours Patron Parking Only

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

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WELCOME TO

SARATOGA SPRINGS

SIMPLY… THE BEST

hen I was asked to write this intro for Saratoga TODAY’s summer issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine… I realized it was no “simple” task, as we offer so much to do! Saratoga is an extraordinary place... Creative, vibrant, historic - The Summer Place to Be!

• The Saratoga Spa State Park and the Saratoga National Historical Park offer some of the best open spaces for healthy activities in the world.

Those who live here and those who visit have access to world class amenities…

• Local coffee shops are everywhere. Local wineries and breweries too.

• The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra as well as the host of one of the top Jazz Music Festivals in the world. •The Saratoga Race Course is the oldest sporting venue in the US. Our 40-day Thoroughbred race meet annually attracts the best horses, jockeys, owners and trainers. And if you’d like to buy your own Thoroughbred, don’t miss the “sales” at Fasig Tipton. • You can tour Grant Cottage in Wilton and the Schuyler House in Schuylerville. • We’re a college town with students from around the world here to attend Skidmore College. • We’re a Navy town with US Navy Sailors here to learn how to operate the Navy’s nuclear power propulsion systems. • Here, in Saratoga, you can tour a horse farm. Listen to a Live Nation concert at SPAC. Enjoy a live performance at Caffe Lena or at the Zankel Music Center. •There’s also Saratoga Lake – for swimming, boating and kayaking. Go for a run, hike or a bike ride. Photo by Joe Carey saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

• Go dine out at the many locally owned one-of-a-kind restaurants in our area. • Take a taste from our natural mineral springs. Bring your own water bottles and fill them up!

• Shop at our local independently owned stores for big hats, paintings, dresses, books, jewelry, olive oil, teas, running shoes, jackets, and so much more. • Relax for a minute or two at one of our local baths and spas. • Take the family to see a polo match. Visit an apple orchard. Buy your vegetables at a farmers’ market.

Choosing what to do when you are in Saratoga is simply awesome, and that’s the way we like it. Lots to do. Fun around every corner. So get out there and enjoy it! Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 21

...aaaaand

THEY’RE OFF! It's just

days –

Friday, July 20 through Labor Day, Monday, September 3 (No racing on Tuesdays)

DON'T MISS A THING!

1st race Saratoga Indycott 4, photo by Adam Mooshian

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oted as one of the “Top 10 Sporting Venues In The World” by Sports Illustrated, Saratoga Race Course is one of horse racing’s most beloved tracks. With historical ambiance and modern day amenities and style, Saratoga Race Course is the place to find top Thoroughbred horse racing July through Labor Day each year. The 40-day meet draws the top horses, trainers and owners in the world to try their luck at “the Spa.”

Known as the Graveyard of Champions, Saratoga Race Course has earned a reputation for being a challenging track for favorites. In fact, the dominant Man O’ War lost his only race against the aptly named Upset here at Saratoga.

ADMISSION: Single-day Grandstand admission is $5 and Clubhouse admission is $8 for guests who purchase their tickets prior to the day of the event. Single-day Grandstand admission is $7 and Clubhouse admission is $10 when purchased at the gate. Admission may be purchased in advance at www.Ticketmaster.com. Guests may also purchase their admission in advance at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course beginning Saturday, July 14. Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 25, gates open at 7 a.m. Travers Day admission purchased in advance is $10 for Grandstand; $25 for Clubhouse. Travers Day admission purchased day-of at the gate is $15 for Grandstand. Admission is included with all reserved seats purchased in advance.

DAILY CLUBHOUSE AND GRANDSTAND RESERVED SEATS: Daily individual reserved seats in the Clubhouse and Grandstand, which include admission, may be purchased in advance online through Ticketmaster.com. A limited number of reserved seats for the current day is available for purchase beginning at 9 a.m. at the Reserved Seat Box Office, located at Gate A on Union Avenue. There is a limit of four seats per person. Cash, American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. All tickets purchased in advance of race day include the cost of admission.

FULL SEASON RESERVED SEAT PL ANS: Full-season plans, which include admission, provide a reserved seat in the Clubhouse or Grandstand for the full 40-day season. Full season ticket plans may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager. Based on availability.

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WEEKLY RESERVED SEAT PL ANS :

SARATOGA SEASON PERKS:

Weekly ticket plans, which include admission, provide a reserved seat in the Clubhouse or Grandstand for six consecutive days of the meet from Wednesday through Monday (Friday through Monday for Opening Weekend). Weekly ticket plans may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager. Week-long reserved seat plans for the 2018 meet at Saratoga Race Course are available (based on available inventory) as follows:

The 2018 season will feature the Saratoga Season Perks program with exclusive offers for season pass and season ticket plan holders, including:

•

Week 1, Opening Weekend: Fri. July 20 through Mon. July 23

•

Week 2, featuring the Jim Dandy: Wed. July 25 through Mon. July 30

•

Week 3, featuring the Whitney: Wed. Aug. 1 through Mon. Aug. 6

•

Week 4, featuring the Fourstardave: Wed. Aug. 8 through Mon. Aug. 13

•

Week 5, featuring the Alabama: Wed. Aug. 15 through Mon. Aug. 20

•

Week 6, featuring the Travers: Wed. Aug. 22 through Mon. Aug. 27

•

Week 7, featuring the Woodward: Wed. Aug. 29 through Mon. Sept. 3

SARATOGA SEASON PASSES: A season pass provides fans with admission to 40 days of world-class thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course, including the Grade 1 Travers on Saturday, August 25 and the Grade 1 Whitney on Saturday, August 4. The costs for 2018 season passes are $40 for Grandstand and $65 for Clubhouse. Season passes do not include reserved seating and are valid for one admission. Season passes may be purchased online through NYRA AccountManager or at participating Stewart’s Shops locations throughout the greater Capital Region.

• Guarantee of one premium Saratoga giveaway on each giveaway day (must enter through the designated season ticket holder and pass holder lines; giveaway item must be obtained by 3 p.m. in person on the day of the giveaway at Saratoga Race Course). • 10 percent savings to numerous retail, restaurant and professional services locations in downtown Saratoga Springs, in partnership with the Saratoga Downtown Business Association (valid June 1, 2018 through March 1, 2019). • 10 percent savings at most Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the Artist's Village on Fridays. Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts. • 10 percent savings on Live Nation Summer Concert Series at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Discount available on lawn tickets or select Pavilion seats during Pavilion-only shows (subject to availability). Available at SPAC Box Office only, not valid for purchase day of show. Season pass and season ticket plan holders must present their season pass in order to receive the discounts. The list of incentives, deals and discounts is available at SaratogaSeasonPerks.com and will be continually updated with new participating organizations. A season pass must be activated in order to receive Saratoga Season Perks discounts and incentives. Season pass holders are required to provide a photo in order to activate their season pass. Activation instructions, including information on how to upload a digital photo, are available at NYRA.com/Saratoga.

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Gun Runner, The Whitney, photo provided by NYRA

West Coast, The Travers, photo by Chris Rahayel

THE STRETCH: The Stretch is an all-new, private hospitality area featuring modern and upscale amenities in a casual environment with breathtaking views of Thoroughbreds rounding the final turn as they enter the dramatic stretch drive. Ticket holders to The Stretch will enjoy exclusive access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, highdefinition televisions, special events, and private restrooms. Guests will also enjoy a relaxed dress code at The Stretch. Single-day tickets for premium reserved seats in The Stretch are available through Ticketmaster.com. All reserved seating purchased in advance includes admission. All tickets will be sold on a firstcome, first-served basis (according to available inventory).

FOURSTARDAVE SPORTS BAR:

Located within close proximity to the trackside apron, the Fourstardave Sports Bar includes more than 80 tables available for paid reservation and a sports bar which features an extensive craft beer selection, popular food vendors, and 60 flat-screen televisions. The hospitality space also provides protection from the elements. Configurations include options for up to six people, four people, and

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two-person tables. Two-person tables will be available for $30 on weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and $40 on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Four-person tables will be available for $60 on weekdays and $80 on weekends. Six-person tables will be available for $90 on weekdays and $120 on weekends. All prices include admission. Travers Day pricing listed separately (see below). Personal coolers and outside food and beverage will not be permitted in the Fourstardave Sports Bar; on-track food and beverage is allowed. The Fourstardave Sports Bar opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. Reserved seating options in the Fourstardave Sports Bar are available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster.com or by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX. Season pass holders wishing to purchase a table without admission may call the NYRA Box Office.

MILLER LITE PICNIC PADDOCK: The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is the section in the backyard at Saratoga Race Course where guests may reserve picnic tables. The

By the Moon, The Ballerina, photo by Chris Rahayel

Miller Lite Picnic Paddock is comprised of more than 100 picnic tables, which each seat up to six guests, located adjacent to the paddock and offering premier viewing of horses being saddled before a race. Personal coolers are allowed in the reserved picnic area; coolers may contain plastic bottles or cans and are subject to search by NYRA security. Additional chairs, tents and umbrellas are prohibited. For a full list of prohibited items, visit NYRA.com. The reserved picnic area opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ticket holders must present a ticket for a wristband upon entry. Reserved seating options in the picnic area are available for paid reservation through Ticketmaster.com. Season pass holders wishing to purchase a table without admission may call the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX.

SARATOGA VIRTUAL VENUE: Available again this year, fans may take advantage of the Saratoga Virtual Venue seating map to digitally preview their seat location and sightlines, as well as table locations in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, before purchasing tickets.

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DINING...

AT THE TRACK DINING RESERVATIONS:

MORNINGS AT SARATOGA:

Guests who are interested in reserving dining for the Turf Terrace, Club Terrace or The Porch can do so online at www.NYRA.com/Dining. Guests will be able to submit their individual day dining requests by clicking on the designated link. Guests will be asked to indicate the number of people in their party and preferred date. There is only one 11:30 a.m. seating available per day for each dining location, as the table belongs to the party for the entire afternoon. Guests are asked to claim their table by 1 p.m., the standard first post time for Saratoga. All guests will be required to provide a credit card when making the reservation. Dining reservations at Saratoga Race Course are subject to availability and require a non-refundable table charge payment. Table charges are final, non-refundable and are based on the full table size. Dining reservations are non-transferable. No reservations will be accepted by phone.

Breakfast at Saratoga is a long-standing tradition. Breakfast is served on The Porch of the Clubhouse, overlooking the morning workouts of the thoroughbreds on the main track each racing day from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Breakfast admission is free (except for Travers Day, Saturday, August 25, when Clubhouse admission fee is required). Trackside parking is refunded for those guests exiting the track by 10 a.m. Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. The tour is available every race day except Travers Day and Labor Day.

GROUP HOSPITALIT Y:

For questions about reservations for the 2018 season, contact the NYRA Box Office at (844) NYRA-TIX, via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or online at NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Group hospitality reservations for the 2018 season at Saratoga Race Course are on sale now for the following areas: At the Rail Pavilion; Luxury Suites; Paddock Tent; Festival Tent; Big Red Spring Tent; and Top of the Stretch. Reservations for group hospitality areas can be made exclusively through the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRATIX, via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or at www.nyra.com/saratoga. All reservations are based on availability.

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INFORMATION:

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Photo by Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce .

the all important

TRACK

Dress Code

PADDOCK SADDLING AREA & WINNER’S CIRCLE:

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

TURF TERRACE:

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

AT THE RAIL PAVILION, THE PORCH, CLUB TERRACE & CAROUSEL RESTAURANT: Gentlemen – No tank tops.No short-shorts, cutoffs 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.

photo from NYRA.com by Mrs. McDougal 28 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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TRACK FACTS

INFORMATION

Aerial view from Union Avenue

For information prior to the meet please phone (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000.  For information during the 2018 Saratoga meet (July 20 to September 3) please call (518) 584-6200.

SARATOGA RACE COURSE

is a 350-acre racetrack in Saratoga Springs NY. Saratoga is the home of the 150th Running of the Travers Stakes on August 25. MAIN COURSE:

1 1/8 Miles

TURF COURSE:

1 Mile

STEEPLECHASE/INNER TURF:

7/8 Mile

ATTENDANCE CAPACITY:

50,000

TRACKSIDE DINING:

2,200

TOTAL SEATING CAPACITY:

18,000, including picnic tables and benches. GENERAL PARKING:

Free

TRACKSIDE PARKING

$12. Gates open at 6:45a.m.  (Refunds available until 10 a.m. No refunds on Travers Day Saturday, August 25) PREFERRED PARKING:

Preferred parking available for $7 while trackside parking is $12. 30 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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HELPING US TO BE A HORSE RACING INSIDER…

The Towel Guide goes high tech FOR their 10th Anniversary issue

2018 GUIDE Saddle Towels to Saratoga Race Course Trainers’ How to Enjoy A Saratoga Morning

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

ANNI TH VER EDITI SARY ON

It’s daybreak at the track. Jockeys are in jeans instead of their racing silks. The fog rises from off the field as those new to the world of racing banter over coffee with the veterans of the sport. “There’s a world here in the morning which I think is the most interesting part of racing. It’s that whole part of the game that has to take place before the horses enter the gate in the afternoon,” said Bob Giordano. A Common Question “I’ve been associated with horses since birth,” said Giordano. On his father’s Pennsylvania farm he helped care for the horses. After retiring from General Electric’s Knolls Laboratory, Giordano enjoyed spending his mornings watching the thoroughbreds in Saratoga. Even with his background however, while watching the animals he’d often find himself asking the same question he’d hear from others. “Who’s that one?” they all wondered. That’s when Giordano decided to publish a guide featuring identifying pictures of the unique saddle towels belonging to each trainer, a glossary of racing terms and other “insider” information.

“Dream Team”

Always Dreaming, John Velasquez Up, Todd Pletcher Photo by Connie Bush

Our Platinum Sponsor

“My intent all along is to let people know what’s going on in racing,” he said. A Continuing Passion In 2008, Giordano became the co-chair of the Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association Inc.’s Education Committee and published the first ThoroFan Guide to Saratoga Race Course Trainers’ Saddle Towels. A thousand copies were printed of the eight page booklet.

32 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

What’s this?

Find out on page 4 and see what happens!

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Each year, he learned something new and the saddle towel guide grew. In addition to identifying the saddle towels, he also answers another question: “What would be interesting to me if I was opening it up for the first time?” Featuring an attention-grabbing cover photograph or illustration from top level and local equine artists, Giordano garnered support from advertisers to help provide the guide to a growing audience each year. Now, after a decade in print, the guides have earned a respected place among Saratoga Race Course memorabilia and became collector’s items. A High-Tech Addition For the 10th Anniversary issue, fans can expect to see a “Dream Team”; the cover photo is by Connie Bush of star Always Dreaming, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by jockey John Valasquez. Inside the 72-page guide are pictures identifying 307 trainers' towels, a centerfold feature about racehorse trainers and other information highlighted by an interactive augmented reality code. The high-tech feature lets users scan a graphic with their cell phone to see additional photos and watch videos. “I’m just hoping people will come to this racing city, see it and use it,” said Giordano. Giordano’s contributions to the world of horseracing also help raise awareness for non-profit organizations affiliated with the industry including Saratoga WarHorse, the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Old Friends at Cabin Creek. In addition to publishing the guide, Giordano spent a decade imparting his passion for racing at the clubhouse gate, greeting the guests and telling them what they needed to know about their day at the races. “Banter was my thing, I loved it,” he said. 10,000 copies of the ThoroFan Guide to Saratoga Race Course Trainers’ Saddle Towels will be available this year at the Saratoga Visitor’s Center, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and at downtown businesses, and as always, the guide is still free. Find yours before they’re gone! SS Race Horse owner Virginia Kraft Payson and Gate Trainer Bob Duncan, with Bob Giordano, during his time as a member of the NYRA hospitality team. Painting by local artist Rumara Jewett, on display at Siro’s

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standing in the SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

etermined, strong and poised… a line of jockey statues on Union Avenue welcome visitors to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

The exhibit was installed last summer to illuminate a long history of Thoroughbred horse racing. This year, it is being expanded to include a total of 58 statues (five of which are positioned in the museum’s interior courtyard). “There was great support from the industry and farms wanting to represent their stables. The first ones sold out so quickly we decided to use the extra space to accommodate them,” said Brien Bouyea, the museum’s Communications Director.

OFF TO A GREAT START Every one of the statues was sponsored for a five-year display at a cost of $10,000 each. The funds raised will be used for several new and exciting things happening at the museum, said Bouyea. The exhibit’s opening celebration attracted 150 people last year, a number Bouyea would like to see again when the additional 16 statues are revealed at this year’s July event. The concrete Cavalier-style jockeys, each weighing 165 lbs., stand 34 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

atop a base featuring a plaque affixed with its sponsor’s name. With an outstretched arm, each holds a solar lantern. “This is something we thought would look really nice on Union Avenue,” said Bouyea. The jockeys' clothing is painted with each stable’s distinct jacket and cap color scheme paired with white pants and black boots as their sponsor requested, by local artist Paula Salmiery. Within the diverse rainbow of colors is a history of dedication to the sport. This past winter however, some saw something else.

JOCKEYING FOR POSITION Security cameras recorded a group of five individuals hanging confederate flags on the 37 jockey statues that line the museum’s front entrance. Done in protest to the statue’s monotonous skin tones and what the perpetrators saw as an offensive nod to the statue’s storied roots in slavery, the museum treated the act as an incident of vandalism and trespassing. “Obviously, we didn’t want to put anything out here that would be viewed as offensive. The jockeys represent the stables, their colors and the pageantry of the sport,” said Bouyea. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The modern-day jockey statue is said to be based on “The Faithful Groomsman”, an iron statue commissioned by George Washington to honor the faithful dedication of Jocko Graves to remain at his post during the Revolutionary War. Research has not yielded a lot of historical proof to back up stories of racism in connection with the statue’s past, said Bouyea. “For every story that says there is a negative connection, there is also a somewhat heroic story about what these jockeys represent. There’s no simple answer for it,” he said. While the group who carried out the act in January continues to remain anonymous, the museum will strive to do what they’ve always done – to tell the entire story of racing and its history, said Bouyea. African Americans and many other ethnicities are represented in the racing hall of fame, in artwork, informative panels, through seminars and informative talks, he added. The incident didn’t change how the museum views the jockey exhibit either. “We love them. They’re beautiful and since then, people have come out defending them. These are public works for the people to enjoy,” said Bouyea.

FAMOUS AMONG FRIENDS Everyday people are out by the jockeys, putting their arms around them and taking pictures. Photographers have featured them in their bridal shoots and they will be tied-into other event and holiday happenings at the museum. The yellow jacket and black star emblem on the West Point Thoroughbred’s jockey stands out to many because of their recent Kentucky Derby win, but also because of their successes at other notable races including the Breeders’ Cup, Travers, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes. Others point out the turquoise jacket on the two statues sponsored by well-known Saratoga resident Marylou Whitney (one by the Marylou Whitney Stables and one by the Whitney family). Whitney’s current husband, John Hendrickson is the museum’s president. Her former husband, Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny” Whitney helped found the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard was recently refurbished and in May was dedicated in his name to honor his legacy of contributions to the sport. The courtyard also highlights Thoroughbred legends of the 1970s. Triple Crown winners Secretariat (in 1973), Seattle Slew (in 1977) and Affirmed (in 1978) helped to secure Saratoga as a monument in racing history. Phipps Stables, Claiborne Farms and other long-standing record holders in the world of horse racing are joined by relative newcomers like WinStar Farms who are quickly making a name for themselves. Reliving the huge wins witnessed at Saratoga is part of the fun that the museum hopes these jockeys will inspire. “Every one of them has its own history. Each jockey and stable has a story behind it and I think that’s amazing,” said Bouyea. The jockeys are a unique way to help make sure those stories are told. “There’s not anything like this anywhere.”

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photo by Sharon Castro

WALKING TOURS OF THE

OKLAHOMA TRACK

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

ind 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.

For questions or reservations, please call the Education Department at 518-584-0400, x 120, or email nmredu2@racingmuseum.net

Sturdy walking shoes are suggested!

PHOTO-FINISH TOURS OF THE OKLAHOMA TRAINING TRACK

Oklahoma Tours are by reservation on Saturdays only, June - October 2018. During the six-week race meet, July 20-September 3, 2018, tours are offered by reservation; Monday and WednesdaySunday* (Except no tours August 3, Hall of Fame Induction Day or Travers weekend, August 25 - 26). The tour begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. and leaves from the Museum parking lot. You will meet your tour guide by the Museum’s back entrance, off the parking lot. Reservations are required. Space is limited! All reservations must be received by 4:00 p.m. Thursday for the weekend. You will receive phone confirmation of your reservation. (Make sure you leave a phone number where you can be reached from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.) If heavy rain, assume the tour is cancelled.

For insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. (No children in backpacks or strollers, no umbrellas)

Join us for special tours of the Oklahoma Training Track led by professional racing photographers. Learn from the experts about lighting, composition and developing your own artist’s eye. Please note: This program must be paid for in advance, and you must have a reservation, to do so call: 518-584-0400 ext. 120. Space is limited. 2018 DATES FOR THIS TOUR:

• Dona Anne McAdams Saturday, July 21, at 8 a.m. • Tod Marks Sunday August 12, at 7 a.m. • Sharon Castro Monday, August 13 at 7 a.m. www.racingmuseum.org/program/ photo-finish-tour

www.racingmuseum.org/program/ oklahoma-training-track-tour

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LUCKY

WRITTEN BY BRENDAN O'MEARA PHOTOS BY CATHLEEN V. DUFFY

Mike Smith, AKA “Big Money” just became the 13th jockey to ride the 13th horse into Triple Crown immortality.

he thing about freelancing is you want to be the guy or gal people turn to. The nature of being a jockey is very much a wild-west feel. They are all freelancers. Who’s on fire and who’s willing to take the shot? And how long can he (or she) stay in the saddle before Father Time (or Mother Time) shoots them head first toward the sickle? Then there’s the time-defying Mike Smith, nicknamed “Big Money.” Magic Mike was a missed opportunity, especially with those abs (Is that an eight-pack? Does he have Lego Batman’s coveted ninth ab?), but Smith, at age 52, is doing unthinkably well for someone with (statistically) fewer years ahead of him than behind. Smith added the rarest of triumphs this June when he won the Triple Crown aboard Justify, becoming just the 13th pair to sweep the Derby, Preakness and Belmont. Justify, though just six races into

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his career, is in desperate need of an oil change and maybe a new set of quarter-inch bends. But since he's won the Triple Crown, and by all accounts will keep running through the summer and fall, this sets up yet another potential accolade for Big Money. Enter Travers 149. Trainer Bob Baffert would likely take Justify to the Haskell Invitational, a race he’s won eight times. Come the Travers, Smith would have a shot to win his record-tying fifth (Javier Castellano has five) 24 years after he won his first. Twenty-four years! A win in the Travers would be his third in a row having won the past two with Arrogate and West Coast trained by, you guessed it, Baffert.

continued on page 38...

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Simply... PERFECT!

In the meantime, let’s do an abbreviated oral history of Smith’s wins in the Travers Stakes. 1994: HOLY BULL There were doubts that Holy Bull could get the 1 ¼ miles in the Travers. Fortunately for him he only had to contend with a five-horse field. Despite the size of the field, it was still a very taxing race. Smith and “The Bull” were tested the entire way, but the pair still managed to hold on for the win. The split at three-quarters of a mile was a sizzling 1:10 3/5th seconds with Holy Bull on the bit the entire time. “You look up that board and the fractions they set and for him to hang on, it’s unbelievable,” said a young Smith to legendary broadcaster Jim McKay. “He spells champion over and over and over again. Not only did he get a mile and a quarter, but he got it having to do something every step of the way. That’s a true champion.” This was Smith’s first Travers win, which matched his lone win in the Triple Crown series, the 1993 Preakness. 998: CORONADO’S QUEST Smith rode Coronado’s Quest up near the leaders in the early going of this renewal with the Belmont Stakes winner, Victory Gallop, loping a bit behind. 38 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Victory Gallop spoiled Real Quiet’s bid for the Triple Crown by the narrowest margin in the history of the Triple Crown. In this Travers, there would be three noses on the wire: Coronado’s Quest, Raffie’s Majesty and Victory Gallop on the line together. Race caller Tom Durkin called it a photo finish, but he had the winner: a perfectly timed ride by Smith aboard the Haskell and Wood Memorial winner Coronado’s Quest. 2016: ARROGATE It took Smith 18 years to win another Travers. By this time, he had cemented himself as perhaps the premier jockey in North America. He had ridden Zenyatta to 19 straight wins, won a Derby and two Belmonts and several Breeders’ Cup races, three of them the Classic, and managed to carve out that coveted ninth ab. Enter the Freak, the very definition of Big Horse, the Big A: Arrogate. His colt for the Travers was an 11-1 shot coming in off an allowance race on the west coast, and he invaded Saratoga, a relative unknown and exited a unilateral freak show. Arrogate tracked the early leaders, took the lead after a quarter-mile, then leveled the field breaking the Travers and track record at 10 furlongs with a time of 1:59.36. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“It's crazy,” Smith said after the race. “He just did a mile and a quarter and as you can see galloping out, I had trouble getting him to stop. We headed for home and he picked it up when I asked him. I was amazed how he lengthened his stride the last sixteenth of a mile and opened up." Arrogate would go on to win his next three races in a row: the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Pegasus Cup and Dubai World Cup, the latter eliciting memories of Man o’War from Dubai’s race caller. “Big Money” could buy an island on Arrogate earnings alone. Arrogate’s four Grade 1, multi-million dollar, multi-track, win streak may never happen again, but it was Smith winning his third Travers aboard this colt that started the run and further solidified Smith’s nickname as “Big Money.” 2017: WEST COAST Not as flashy, not as gifted as Arrogate, but West Coast went to the front and won the Travers in 2:01.19, nearly two seconds slower than Arrogate the year before. No matter. It gave Smith his ¬fourth Travers and put him within one of Castellano’s five. "They said, 'Listen, you ride him however you want, and he'll put a big effort,' and that means I could do whatever I wanted," said Smith. "Just off of the way it looked, I said I was going to get aggressive leaving there and see where it puts me. If it's not in front, it puts me in the race, and I'm happy with that.

Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, and Assistant Trainer, Jimmy Barnes with Justify

“I thought there wasn't much pace, but man, I caught a good jump, put him on the lead, and he just cruised from there. He was a happy horse all the way around there. There was a time or two when they came to me, but he just put them away and every time they would, he'd take a big old breath of air, so I felt confident he'd continue to run well." Should Justify remain healthy, and should he run through the summer, Baffert's plan will put him on course for Saratoga's feature race. A win for the jockey-trainer combo will make it a three-peat and grant Smith his record-tying fifth Travers, further proving he's one of the best—if not the best—jockey to don silks in the storied history of the Sport of Kings. SS

Host-Barn Trainer John Terranova, with Mike Smith and CEO and President of Win Star, Elliot Walden

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WRITTEN BY JENNA BURGER PHOTOS PROVIDED

Tils Tilbury, Jen Paragallo, Kathy Barraclough and Kimmie Brooking

Women Who

G A LLO P WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY JOHN SEYMOUR

or most people who live in Saratoga or who visit during the Thoroughbred racing season, their experience of the racetrack is largely confined to strolling through the historic grounds, staking out a picnic table for a day of races, or enjoying seats in the clubhouse. For fans of Thoroughbred racing, the jockeys who don colorful silks and ride their mounts to glory on saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

the oldest flat track in the country are household names. Velasquez, Cordero, Maple… and so many others are the face of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. What many people never see is the other side of the track – the backside – and the many women who ride those same winning horses day after day, caring for them and schooling them on how to be winners. This is the story of the women who “gallop.” JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 41

O n a h o t J u l y a f t e r n o o n in 2017, I approached the picnic table on the grounds of the iconic Oklahoma Track, eager to meet the group of women who’d taken time out of their busy riding and training schedules to tell me stories of their experiences as riders in a field dominated by men. Tils, Jen, Kathy, Kimberly aren’t ones to stand on ceremony and they call it as they see it. No fluff or unnecessary niceties here; what you see is what you get. And what I got was a straightforward and unfiltered view of life behind the scenes in the world of horse-racing. “I remember the first time I came to Saratoga. It was in 1984 or ’85,” says Tils, who is originally from Virginia. A petite woman with the tightly muscular and compact body typical of lifelong riders, she recalls that there was no electricity or hot water in the stalls. “We took 50-gallon drums filled with water and lit fires with propane in front of the barn to heat the water, so we could bathe the horses.” She has old photos of those days, with steam from the hot water rising in the air off the drums.

Jen Paragallo Kathy Barraclough

“Can you imagine,” one of the other women chimes in, “that we actually had fires in front of the barns?” It is hard to imagine the potential dangers of having fires around wooden stalls, hay and high-priced horses. But, in the 1980’s and 90’s, the backside was a very different world than it is today. “Oh, and we had to prime the pumps first, to get the water,” adds Tils. Make no mistake. None of the women at the table are complaining. While each woman has her own unique story about her career in the industry, they all share a love for horses and riding, despite the difficulty, the injuries, and the..., and they wouldn’t trade their jobs for any other. “I dreamed of being a jockey from the time I was four years old,” says Jen. Even at that young age, she was a big Eddie Maple fan. “I didn’t realize there were no women riders back here. Women weren’t even allowed on the backside,” she adds. “The only women jockeys I knew were Karen Rogers and Margie Clayton.” Rogers was called the “reigning queen” of New York horse-racing in the early 1980’s at age 18, and Clayton was one of New York racing’s most popular figures in the 1980’s, winning 71 races from 911 mounts and earning more than $1 million in purses. She also married hall-of-famewinning jockey Angel Cordero. But these women were an anomaly, a rare exception to the rule, where riders, hot-walkers, trainers, breeders and jockeys were overwhelmingly male.

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“Whatever made me think, at only four years old, “I’m gonna ride horses - I can’t tell ya,” she says. Jen’s mom was the only woman selling the racing form outside the track gates at the time, and Jen joined her mom as a little girl, soaking in everything about the track from early on. For Jen, it was everything – the colors of the silks, the strength and grace of the nimble jockeys, the magnificent horses. “I remember Eddie Maple taking me over to Woody Stevens’ barn. I was about seven years old. He picked me up and put me in his GMC, and I could feel how strong he was. I got to ride Stevens’ pony and, from that day on, I just wanted to ride. It was really impossible back then. There weren’t all the beautiful farms around here then that are here today. I mean, how do you learn?” she said. But somehow, she did. She practiced riding in her back yard and then started coming over to the backside, eventually getting jobs as a hot-walker and riding ponies. “Then, all of a sudden, I was an exercise rider. I worked from the ground up. One of the first guys I galloped for was

Ricky Thomas, an assistant trainer at Rokeby Stables.” Kathy, who was born in Australia, came to the sport from a different angle. She grew up riding in events – dressage, cross-country. “It’s different riding. But as these women here know, the more knowledge you have about riding, the more you’ll know about schooling these race horses,” says Kathy. She came to America when she was 22 years old and decided to stay. Needing a job, she started waitressing. She also found out that she could get paid to ride someone else’s horses and she started “freelancing” at the track. “I was lucky and got introduced to some of the trainers. If I had four rides a day, that was good. If I had 8-10, even better.” The other women agree that, even though it was a man’s world, there were people willing to help if they knew you were a good rider. It was all about horsemanship, and the women kept learning as they continued to ride. “Nobody can tell you how to do it. You just keep learning as you go,” says Tils. “It’s the only way to do it – you gotta feel it and do it.” Just as women were a scarcity on the back-

side, so were issues of safety. The protective vests, called “flak jackets,” worn by all the riders these days, were not in existence as most of the riders seated around the picnic table were coming up in the sport. Jen remembers that the Oklahoma track was a full one-third narrower than it is now, and she recalls galloping around the track as workers were widening the course, separated from the riders by nothing more than a row of safety cones. The women all have stories of sexism and bias. There was no “Me Too” movement to back you up if you were being harassed. “There was some cat-calling – ok, there was a lot of catcalling,” say the women. And it came from everyone at every level. “But most of us handled it pretty well. We just wanted to ride, so we didn’t care,” says Jen. Kathy agrees. “You’d ignore it and just go get on a horse.” There were also people who would accuse a woman of “sleeping her way to the top,” which brings out the straight-shooting humor in Tils. “Listen, if that was happening, I would’ve been driving a much better car!” Tils recalls working in Aqueduct and a guy told her that if she didn’t go out with him, she’d never ride another horse there again. “I packed my stuff and went to Atlantic City and I never went back,” she says. She adds that it still happens to some extent, although she doesn’t think its as rampant as it used to be. “But maybe it’s because I’m too old and they’re not harassing me anymore,” she says, laughing. “But, believe me, I’ve got some tales that would curl your toes – some very respectable trainers who were, let’s just say, less than gentlemanly.”

Kimmie Brooking saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“It can happen anywhere,” adds Kimmie, the youngest in the group. “They end up with this viewpoint that JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 43

this little girl loves horses and she wants to ride them. And she’ll do anything. Quite honestly, some of them will. And it’s not just riders – it’s also the hot walkers.” There is always an aura surrounding the jockeys and many women will follow them around, like groupies. “They’re called ‘jockey jumpers,” says Kimmie. And some of the jockeys think that they can get any woman to sleep with them. “I had a jockey who hated me because I wouldn’t sleep with him and he’d go to my trainers and try to take away my mounts,” recalls one of the women. “I avoided him, didn’t talk to him and years later, after he won the Kentucky Derby, I saw him and said, ‘You know, you really ticked me off and hurt my feelings,’ and he actually apologized. He went on to win the Breeders Cup that year and he brought me back a whole bunch of stuff as an apology gift. He said, ‘Man, I didn’t realize I made you feel that uncomfortable.’ We’re really good friends now. It was just one of those things.” Jen galloped all through her high school years and then went off to Ocala, FL to “break babies.” She left with $350 to her name, stopping at one horse farm after another, earning money by riding horses. At Farnsworth, one of the biggest farms, she would gallop as many as 38 horses in one day. “My dream was to be a jockey, but it wasn’t meant to be a reality.” “You have to be leagues better than the men – like Julie Krone. You can be a guy and be an average or even below average rider – but you’ll ride. But if you’re a woman and you’re just average, you’re not going to make it – and that stands true to this day.” Jen is now an assistant trainer and Kathy is a breeder and a trainer. I ask the women, “Aren’t you really training the horses when you’re riding them every day?” “Exactly,” says Kathy. “But you need a trainer’s license if you want to bring horses in here to train. For me, it was just the next step.” Til asks Kathy if she agrees that, as a smaller breeder, her horses are better served than some of the very large barns that have so many horses. “It’s easy for a horse to get lost,” says Kathy. The more expensive horses are just going to be treated better and receive more attention. “That’s just how it is,” she says.

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Tils Tilbury

But she adds that a lot of trainers work with good quality NY breds that are worth 50 – 100k apiece that they think are good horses, and they’ll do the best by them that they possible can. Some horse get lost (in big barns) no matter what. “A trainer is a person who can make a mediocre horse its best possible self,” says Tils, adding that “anyone can train a good horse. It takes a real trainer to train a bad horse.” The horses that act crazy and won’t go into the gate – those are the tough horses to train. Kathy agrees that everybody - the rider, the groom, the assistant, the trainer – “are all responsible for keeping a horse happy, healthy and making it a good experience for the horse so that he will

want to come out every day and do his best for you.” “Jockeys just show up and they ride a horse for two minutes. They’re talented and skinny individuals – for them, a lot of it is luck. They can screw up and they get all the glory and there’s no reason for it. The guys who are the grooms and riders – it’s a team. Some of the jockeys don’t even realize it. One day at Aqueduct, a jockey said to me, ‘let’s just get this over with.’ Our day started at 4:30 am and he’s running in the 9th race and his day is over in two minutes and then he gets in the shower. I still have to cool the horse off for 20-40 minutes, get him back on the NYRA shuttle, making sure he settles in, feed him, take care of him. If you’re lucky, your day might end at 7:00 – if you’re lucky.” SS

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Romeo and Juliet, photo by Paul Konik

NEW YORK CITY BALLET July 17–21

New York City Ballet returns to its summer home at Saratoga Performing Arts Center this July, bringing its unparalleled beauty to the stage. Against the backdrop of SPAC’s idyllic woodland setting, the intertwining of dance and nature is a magical combination. The 2018 season offers four distinct programs including NYCB’s production of Shakespeare’s timeless Romeo + Juliet, an all-Balanchine evening, and a program showcasing four SPAC Premieres by 21st century choreographers including NYCB Resident Choreographer and Soloist Justin Peck, NYCB Principal Dancer Lauren Lovette and NYCB’s youngest choreographer, Gianna Reisen. The annual New York City Ballet Gala, on Saturday, July 21, will celebrate the centennial of the birth of both Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein, with a special Gala program dedicated to their works. New York City Ballet’s Saratoga residency is from July 17 – 21. Tickets start at just $30 for inside seats. Lawn seating is $26 for adults; children up to age 15 are free on the lawn. Information and tickets at spac.org.

Square Dance, photo by Paul Konik

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The Ballet Gala

Photos by Paul Konik

SUMMER’S SPECTACULAR SOIREE July 21

Immersive. Fun. Festive. Refreshed. The Ballet Gala, Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s glorious summertime social event that supports the residency of the New York City Ballet, is all that and more. Scheduled this year for Saturday, July 21, the Gala is a highlight of the Saratoga social season. It features a special program by New York City Ballet, immersive pop-up performances, sensational tastings, and a post-performance lawn party with dancing and live music by Soul Session. The theme for this year’s Gala is The Four Seasons, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the births of both Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein. The centerpiece of the evening is a special NYCB performance featuring the SPAC Premiere of a new work directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer and director Warren Carlyle, which will celebrate the Broadway choreography of Jerome Robbins. Spearheaded by SPAC’s fundraising committee the Action Council, guests have the option of purchasing tickets to the Gala held inside the Hall of Springs, which includes gourmet food and craft cocktail stations, preferred amphitheater seating and post-performance dessert and cocktails in the Jazz Bar, or enjoying the festive lawn experience, hosted by SPAC’s Junior Committee. Tickets and information are available at spac.org The Four Seasons, photo by Paul Konik

The Four Seasons, photo by Paul Konik

Pulcinella Variations, photo by Paul Kolnik

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Symphony in C, photo by Paul Kolnik

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TRINITY IRISH DANCE COMPANY July 30, 8 pm

Just like the city of Saratoga Springs is a combination of the new and the old, the Trinity Irish Dance Company is strongly rooted in the tradition of classical Irish dance, yet pushes the boundaries to provide a fresh, intoxicating dance experience. Considered “a vibrant blaze of movement” by the Chicago Tribune, the dancers juxtapose athleticism and grace in syncopated patterns with precise footwork, agility, and speed.

Photos by Lois Greenfield

Photo by Em Watson Media

Led by Emmy-award winning Artistic Director & Founder Mark Howard, the company has risen to prominence as the founder of progressive Irish dance and is considered one of the foremost Irish dance companies in the world. The company’s intricate, energetic movements and rhythmic choreography was a catalyst for the world-renowned theatrical show Riverdance, one of the most successful dance productions in the world. Howard’s award-winning work -- fusing the vibrancy of traditional Irish dance with contemporary American ideas -- has been met with great critical acclaim around the globe, with sold-out tours in Europe and Asia and appearances in such distinguished US venues as the Kennedy Center, New York’s Joyce Theater and UCLA’s Royce Hall, among many others. Trinity has appeared in feature films by Disney, DreamWorks, Touchstone and Universal and on numerous national television programs including six appearances on the Tonight Show. Prior to Trinity Irish Dance Company’s act, at 7:15 p.m. SPAC will present a high-energy, professionally choreographed final performance by 80 local children who have been participating in The Performance Project: Youth in Motion. Led by the award winning National Dance Institute and presented in partnership with the Capital District and Saratoga Regional YMCA’s, SPAC’s Performance Project is a two-week dance intensive designed to teach children dance skills while instilling in them a belief in their own abilities and capacity to achieve success. Tickets for the amphitheater-only performance are $27, $37 and $57, and are available at spac.org.

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The Sounds of Summer in Saratoga:

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA

August 1-18

The Fabulous Philadelphians return this August for classical music month in Saratoga Springs! Yannick, photo by Jan Regan

Kicking-off the residency is Stéphane Denève for a “Festive Fireworks” program that features Tchaikovsky’s famed 1812 Overture, complete with fireworks, live cannon fire and dancers from The Pennsylvania Ballet (August 1) and an afternoon of Symphonic Shakespeare, a series of Shakespearean scenes interwoven with compositions influenced by The Bard, as part of SPAC’s new Thursday Matinee series (August 2). Kensho Watanabe conducts Holst’s The Planets – An HD Odyssey combining spectacular NASA space footage with Holst’s musical imagining of the cosmos (August 3) to launch SPAC’s “Out of this World Festival” – an exploration of the nexus between art and the cosmos. Music with film returns for “Cinema Saturdays @ SPAC” with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ (led by Justin Freer, August 4) and Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert (led by Constantine Kitsopoulos, August 11).

Arthur and Lucas Jusssen, photo by Marco Borggreve Joshua Bell photo by Konzerthauswen

Famed Musical Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin joins the Orchestra in the final two weeks of concerts to lead an all-Bernstein evening (August 10), a Mozart & Mahler program with The Philadelphia Orchestra debut of the Dutch ‘piano brothers’ Lucas and Arthur Jussen, Strauss’ Don Juan (August 15), a program featuring Philadelphia Orchestra principals as soloists (August 16), and Joshua Bell in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 (August 17). The Orchestra’s season finale at SPAC celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the film The Red Violin with Joshua Bell, the original artist on the movie’s soundtrack, performing John Corigliano’s score alongside the Orchestra (August 18). 50 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Yo-Yo Ma Photo by Jason Bell

HIGHLIGHTS! NEW! Thursday Matinee Series:

Friday, June 29 Imagine Dragons with Grace VanderWaal 7 pm

AUGUST 2 (2PM): Symphonic Shakespeare

Saturday, June 30 Steely Dan & The Doobie Brothers 7:30 pm

As part of SPAC’s new Thursday Matinee series created for the 2018 season by audience request, Stéphane Denève will lead a program of popular orchestral music set to Shakespeare’s most illustrious works. AUGUST 9 (2PM): Young Virtuosi: Carnival of the Animals Family Friendly! A humorous musical suite of fourteen movements by the French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns, Carnival of the Animals, will feature young, virtuosic“piano brothers” Lucas and Arthur Jussen. AUGUST 16 (2PM): Captivating Classics Kicking off the afternoon is the festive Overture to William Tell, irrevocably remembered for its exciting final three minutes, which came to serve as the theme music for the Lone Ranger programs in movies and on radio and television. Cinema Saturdays @ SPAC” Series: AUGUST 4: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in Concert Audiences will be able to relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone™ in high-definition projected on the big screen while hearing the live symphony orchestra perform John Williams’ complete score, which was nominated for a 2002 Academy Award for Best Original Score. AUGUST 11: Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert Since the release of the first Star Wars movie 40 years ago, the saga has had a seismic impact, inspiring audiences worldwide with its storytelling, characters, groundbreaking special effects and John Williams' iconic musical scores for all seven films. His score for 1977's A New Hope earned him an Academy Award for best original score. AUGUST 18: The Red Violin with Joshua Bell The season finale celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the film The Red Violin with Joshua Bell, the original artist on the movie’s soundtrack, performing John Corigliano’s score alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Tuesday, July 3 Tedeschi Trucks Band with Drive-By Truckers, & The Marcus King Band 7 pm Saturday, July 7 WGNA Countryfest with Rascal Flatts, Dan + Shay & more 4 pm

Thursday, July 12 Halsey with Jessie Reyez 8 pm Friday, July 13 Dave Matthews Band 8 pm Saturday, July 14 Dave Matthews Band 8 pm Sunday, July 15 Jason Aldean with Luke Combs, & Lauren Alaina 7:30 pm Sunday, July 22 Charlie Puth with Hailee Steinfeld 7:30 pm Wednesday, July 25 Wiz Khalifa & Rae Sremmurd 6 pm Thursday, July 26 Janet Jackson 8 pm Saturday, July 28 Lindsey Stirling & Evanescense 7 pm Sunday, July 29 John Fogerty 8 pm Tuesday, July 31 Chicago & REO Speedwagon 7:30 pm Sunday, August 5 Dierks Bentley with LANCO & Brothers Osborne 7 pm Tuesday, August 7 The Piano Guys 7:30 pm Sunday, August 19 Luke Bryan with Jon Pardi & Morgan Wallen 7 pm Tuesday, August 21 Shinedown & Godsmack 7 pm Wednesday, August 22 Pentatonix 8 pm Thursday, August 23 Chris Stapleton with Marty Stuart & Brent Cobb 7 pm

Friday, September 14 Ringo Starr & His All Star Band 8 pm Saturday, September 15 Kid Rock with Brantley Gilbert, & Wheeler Walker Jr. 6:30 pm

Sunday, September 23 Outlaw Festival with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lukas Nelson & more 2:30 pm Saturday, September 29 Zac Brown Band 7 pm

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On Stage

August 6, 13, 20, 27 “SPAC on Stage” returns to Saratoga Performing Arts Center this August with four diverse musical groups that span the sonic spectrum. Featuring a unique seating arrangement that transforms the SPAC amphitheater into an intimate concert experience, the entire audience is placed onstage with the artists, looking out into the theater. “This year’s line-up represents both an eclectic mix of genres and cultural diversity, bringing vibrant musicians to Saratoga from different parts of the world,” Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of SPAC. “Black Violin who were unable to perform last year due to the hurricane will bring their stereotype-challenging presence across classical, hip-hop, rock and R&B genres. Russian Renaissance, Nu Deco Ensemble and H’SAO will also surprise audiences with their electrifying and genre-crossing performances.” With an onstage seating capacity of 350, Ms. Sobol noted that “ticket availability will be limited; last season we sold out every performance and expect demand to be high again this year.” Tickets start at $40; visit spac.org NuDeco, photo by Alex Markow

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photos provided

RUSSIAN RENAISSANCE – August 6 After emerging with the $100,000 Grand Prize at the 2017 M-Prize Competition, the largest prize for chamber music in the world, Russian Renaissance has firmly established itself as one of the most electrifying and exhilarating ensembles of today. Through stunning performances of everything from tango to folk to jazz, Russian Renaissance is redefining the possibilities of their traditional Russian folk instruments (balalaika, domra/ domra alto, button accordion, and balalaika contrabasso) and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

NU DECO ENSEMBLE – August 13 Based in Miami, Nu Deco Ensemble is a virtuosic and eclectic chamber orchestra group designed for the 21st century. Through exciting and adventurous classical music performances, Nu Deco Ensemble presents various styles of music, art, and media collaborations in both traditional and alternative venues. Working in conjunction with local Miami musicians, composers, DJs, dancers, visual and media artists, Nu Deco Ensemble creates a new hybrid of compelling musical and multimedia experiences. Blending masterful musicianship with a wide range of repertoire from classical to pop, Nu Deco Ensemble strives to be a leader in genre-bending musical exploration. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

stage

Black Violin Photo by Colin Brennan

BLACK VIOLIN August 20

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

H’SAO, August 27 Montréal-based band from Chad, H’SAO is known for its unique blend of modern sound and traditional African musical influences. H’SAO has traveled the world, delivering electrifying performances, launching three innovative albums and, most of all, developing a musical signature that spans several genres and thus transcends the “world music” category. Onstage, the band sets itself apart through energetic performances, punctuated by catchy choreography and warm interactions with audiences.

H'Sao, photos by Jacob Crawfurd

Tiempo Libre Photo by Glassworks Multimedia

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ELIZABETH SOBOL

shares her vision for

WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY BLACKBURN PORTRAIT DESIGN

lizabeth Sobol is a petite, almost pixie-ish woman with the graceful demeanor of a dancer and a style that speaks to her lifelong immersion in the world of art, music and culture She doesn’t really walk into a room as much as she glides into it, with a statuesque presence that belies her diminutive physique. But don’t let her spritely appearance and size fool you. You have just met a powerhouse. After spending an hour with her, it’s easy to understand why SPAC’s board of directors chose Sobol to become President and CEO of the beloved organization. Sobol came to the role in October 2016 and, in the roughly 18 months since her arrival, the city has already begun to benefit from her vision for the future of SPAC. By now, most people already know of Sobol’s impressive background and credentials, which make her so well suited for her latest role. For those who don’t know her background, Sobol has spent her entire career working with musicians, dancers and performance artists from across the globe.

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Her sophisticated musical palate and worldview are exactly what is needed to infuse SPAC – and by extension, the city itself – with new and exciting ideas that will position Saratoga Springs as a cultural mecca. Under her stewardship, the well-known triumvirate of “health, history and horses” will, of necessity, expand to include “culture” with a capital “C.”

Now, she finds it hard to believe that more people don’t know about SPAC and Saratoga – something she is determined to fix. While she has spent most of her career working on the commercial side of the music and performance industry – at places like Universal Music Group and IMG Artists– Sobol has immersed herself with gusto into the world of development and planning for the future.

Of course, Sobol is as taken with Saratoga Springs as the community is with her. She takes delight in recounting the story of how she first came to the city. After spending the last 15 years dividing her professional and personal time between Miami and midtown Manhattan, Sobol and her husband, Cuban jazz pianist Jorge Gomez, were charmed by what they saw as they explored many of the familiar landmarks that residents and frequent visitors have long known and loved. Places like Congress Park, Lyrical Ballad, Northshire bookstores, and the myriad of musical and culinary venues that dot our city streets were a delightful and unexpected surprise, and Sobol said it was an “epiphanic moment” when she realized she may have just found “home.”

But of course, she is not doing it alone. “What blows me away each day is this community – people who are so dedicated, philanthropic and generous,” says Sobol. She adds that, while she had some initial ‘trepidation’ about working with an arts board, she has been so impressed by their love for and devotion to making SPAC the best it can be and working diligently for its future success. And her staff shares that same passion for helping SPAC grow and flourish, she adds. Now, coming on two years later, Sobol still marvels at her daily “commute” along the Avenue of the Pines. “I am living in upstate New York and loving it! This is a place that could and should be a saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

blueprint for the way the rest of the world should live. It has a human scale and yet, it is a community that is broad and generous.”

Amtrak trainline directly from Manhattan. I’ve been to festivals all over the world, and that doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

One of the things Sobol wants to work on is Saratoga’s “identity” as a cultural destination. She talks about the similarities and differences between Tanglewood and SPAC. “The Berkshires eat our lunch every day of the week and they think of themselves as a cultural location” – something Sobol realizes that Saratoga needs to do in order to “up its game” in the world of arts, culture and performance.

To that end, Sobol has begun to forge strong alliances and develop new funding resources. She recognizes that, while Saratoga is a very generous and philanthropic community, there is a level of what she calls “donor fatigue.” There are so many worthwhile organizations and venues that are a vital part of the fabric of the city, and the community is asked to support them all. Sobol sees part of her mission as widening that donor pool strategically and tapping into the funding and resources available in the form of state and federal grants and funding for the arts.

Of course, Tanglewood has an endowment of $450 million and a very large staff. SPAC’s endowment is tiny in comparison, at $7.5 million. “Our annual budget is $10 million. We raise $5M each year and the other $5M comes from ticket sales and other earned income” But Elizabeth is unflappable and undaunted by the mission she and her staff have undertaken, with the backing of a strong and dedicated board. “I’m from North Carolina originally and I think that’s where I got the ‘proselytizing’ gene,” she jokes. “My big mission is to revitalize and transform SPAC for the future.” She points out that Tanglewood is the Summer home of the Boston Symphony and, as a result, has significantly greater resources. “When I first got out in the community, everybody wanted to share their “SPAC” story with me. This is what is so extraordinary about this organization,” she says. “SPAC is a part, both individually and collectively, of the memory, psyche and culture of this community. Tanglewood is great, but it is largely a Summer destination. It is not a community the way Saratoga is a community.” She adds that, while the tourism websites talk about Saratoga as a place of health, history and horses, it doesn’t talk about culture. “I think Saratoga is one of the most culturally vibrant cities, bar none. The confluence of the historic, the natural and the cultural – Balanchine and Ormandy – they’re in our DNA here. It’s all nestled in 2,400 acres of parkland with healing springs, adjacent to a culturally vibrant downtown, with an

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Since her arrival, Sobol has developed a strong relationship with Rose Harvey, Commissioner of NYS Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, and Alane Ball Chinian, Regional Director of the Saratoga Capital Region. “We have found kindred spirits in each other and we share the same ‘chemistry.”

and replace the metal ramps and railings leading into the amphitheater. They are also looking to completely re-design the concessions and bathroom areas. Preliminary plans are also underway to renovate and restore the Spa Little Theater and the long-abandoned Roosevelt Two, which is the mirror image of its sister building across the mall. Of course, it’s one thing to renovate. But then what? “We must have a raison d’etre, a guiding vision and a reason,” says Sobol. For Sobol, that vision includes drawing upon the cultural abundance the upstate region has to offer, but may be too far flung for visitors to Saratoga to thoroughly enjoy. She envisions bringing artisans and performance artists from Salem, Cambridge, Glens Falls and beyond into the park, where they can display their art or hold educational and performance events for visitors. There is so much more she has in store for SPAC and so much that she has already accomplished. Part of that vision will come to life in the upcoming vibrant 2018 season. Sobol has engaged the world-renowned National Ballet of Cuba to appear on the SPAC stage, as one of only four locations on its historic U.S. tour. Sobol has also drawn upon the favorites of Balanchine, Robbins and Bernstein for lovers of classical traditions, while bringing exciting new artists to the stage.

“The first day I met Alane and Rose was in late October of 2016. I was waxing about my love for the park and I told them that I pass by all these beautiful buildings and spaces that are not being utilized. And I imagine those spaces, filled with site-specific performance work and public art installations. I look at the potential for the space as a park for the arts.”

She has wisely capitalized on the other venues in the city to expand SPAC’s reach as a year-round venue. Sobol is working with Caffe Lena, Universal Preservation Hall, Skidmore and other entities to bring programs that will educate and entertain people through a rich array of performance art and global culture. The live music and dancing at the Jazz Bar in the Hall of Springs was a big success this past year, and it will once again be a big part of SPAC’s Summer and Fall season programming.

“Rose loved the idea and she asked me to flesh out a proposal, which was delivered to them last spring and has been embraced by them.”

“All the things I had intuited from the first day here – it’s like a coloring book in black and white that is all starting to fill in with color.”

Sobol and her staff performed a comprehensive campus and facilities review and, in 2019, SPAC will spend $1.75 million as part of a revitalization grant SPAC has received from NYS Parks to repair

For more information about the SPAC 2018 season or to become a SPAC member, visit www.SPAC.org. SS

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AN INTERVIEW WITH

Amy Lee OF EVANESCEN CE WRITTEN BY THOMAS DIMOPOULOS PHOTOS BY PAUL BROWN

ormed in the mid-90’s, Evanescence released their landmark debut album, “Fallen,” in 2003. It sold more than 17 million copies worldwide and featured the hits "Bring Me to Life," and "My Immortal," and spent 104 weeks on the Billboard 200. The band’s second studio album, “The Open Door,” was released in 2006 and their self-titled third studio album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, was issued in 2011. Their most recent work, “Synthesis” was released in November 2017. 56 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

“Synthesis” features two new Evanescence songs in addition to fan favorites re-imagined with a live orchestra and electronica. On their Synthesis Tour, which will be staged at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 28, the band combines their intense live performances and timeless songwriting with a powerful live orchestra. The band has gone through a variety of lineup changes since its formation in 1995 and continues to be led by singer, pianist and group co-founder Amy Lee.

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TD: Your new project, “Synthesis,” features a

number of Evanescence songs “re-imagined” with an orchestra. How did that idea come about?

Amy Lee:

After our first album, “Fallen,” I felt a serious urge to push us forward and show other sides. It was good, but it was just this bud, this beginning picture of all that I wanted to express and all that I am. It became important to show something else. I always want to keep that open, to try new things. The past year-and-a-half or two years, it started with creating this box set (“The Ultimate Collection”) and revisiting our history of material. I realized how proud I am of everything that we’ve done. So instead of feeling, ‘Oh I have to keep pushing in new directions and show everybody how different we are,’ I kind of fell in love with it, all of it, and wanted to spend a little bit of time embracing all that we are. “Synthesis” happened out of that spirit; going back and pouring more love into who I already am. So, I feel that’s been a beautiful turn in my heart recently.

TD: You always seem to stretch yourself as

an artist. In reimagining these songs, did you have to strip everything away, or, given your classical piano background, were they always ready-made for that?

Amy Lee: A little bit of both, because there are parts of these songs, particularly the ones I chose, where there was something about them that stood out to me, or I wanted to push more; songs that were already headed in that direction from the beginning. There was a stripping away involved and rebuilding for sure, but it’s all stemming from stuff that was all in there, underneath. For example, ‘Never Go Back,’ our first song on this album is a very classically minded song, which is funny because production-wise it’s this heavy rock song with swatches of metal - but they’re so related. If you think about the instrumentation and the production of music, I feel there are so many similarities between heavy metal music and the shredders of the classical age. I mean, you could put Bach up against Pantera and find total similarities, haha. I’m not saying we’re Pantera or Bach – nothing like – but there was always this part, especially this big, epic beautiful bridge in “Never Go Back,” that now in this version, starts off the song. I wanted to experiment with taking that all the way in the other direction and to see what it sounded like and to be able to let it live in that world - where it was partially born in the first place. So, this whole album is kind of like

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that, taking things and going: here’s the other side of it that maybe you didn’t notice, and pumping that up all the way.

TD: With the Synthesis Tour, which plays in Saratoga Springs July 28, you will be performing with a live orchestra – and a different orchestra, with different musicians, in each city. Amy Lee:

It makes for a very highenergy, tightrope-like feeling. And it’s different every time in a very beautiful way. We bring along a conductor, Susie Seiter, which is what really makes it work. She is hard-working, incredibly talented and every day spends about an hour-and-a-half with the orchestra rehearsing the music. We just basically join in the last three or four songs, get a soundcheck and then we’re doing it for the very first time live, in front of the audience. It’s a big challenge and I think challenges to me at this point in my career are the fun parts. I feel like I’m pushing myself to the next place and it feels really good. The only rehearsal that takes place is that day, before the show, which is amazing to me.

TD: What strikes you most working in that way?

Amy Lee: I was very nervous when we first started, just on a very basic level. We’ve been doing the straight up version and working on building up our Evanescence show as we’ve grown, over like 17 years. For the first time, we’re just stripping all my comfort zones away – and the band’s as well – and really relying in a major way on the live orchestra every night. So, it feels different. And we’re asking our audience to sit down and watch more of a production - which is beautiful and creates these moments of very raw, vulnerable quiet, where you have to just be so comfortable in your own skin that you can totally focus and make beautiful music. I love it, I feel very much in my element. TD:

You’re also probably exposing some people in the audience to a full orchestral ensemble for the first time in their lives.

Amy Lee: I think so and it’s fun. If I put

myself on the other side and think about going to see my favorite artist, or my favorite band do something like this where it was recreated for orchestra, I would really want to go. And it’s not just orchestra, of course, it’s a cool electronic different world. I’ve always been such a big fan of orchestra, especially when you can go watch it happen live. So, yeah, thinking about it from that standpoint, I love it, too. I want to go see that show.

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TD: What favorite band would that be that you would like to see in that setup?

Amy Lee:

Ah, that’s tough, there are so many. I think it would be really good to see the Smashing Pumpkins do that. That would lend itself to it very well. Portishead - that would be incredible! I’ve always gotten a lot of inspiration from Bjork and if I could go see the way she did “Vespertine,” back in the day (2001) – it was sort of in this realm between the electronic elements and the orchestra.

TD:

The music industry has changed a lot in the 20-plus years since Evanescence was formed. How has the show changed? How has presentation changed? Do you hate all those smartphone cameras going up in the crowd?

Amy Lee: It’s changed, but you learn how

to adapt to that and make it work for you in a new way. When cell phones first started to be a thing, every artist was complaining: ah, they’re like zombies, they’re not even paying attention, they’re missing the live show and just looking at their phones. I still get that and feel that, but at the same time we have this moment during special shows where it’s not about trying to capture it - it’s about lighting it up. One person does it, then somebody next to them does it and then more and more and more until they all light up and make like these beautiful glowing souls. Just a sea of light. You feel the magnitude, as if every person is represented in that moment. It chokes me up. Every time. We always want people to live in the moment, to live in the show, but I do take it as a sort of compliment: they want to capture it, they want to remember it, they want to live it again.

TD: Where will Evanescence go in the future?

Amy Lee: I certainly don’t ever want to

make an album that I’ve already made before, but I feel I have a new perspective on what Evanescence is and it means something to me that’s just full of love in all directions. So, I don’t know what the future sound will be, but it will be out of love. SS

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Christine Suits

OPERA

SARATOGA

READY TO 'ROCK' WRITTEN BY LA SOKOLOWSKI, PHOTOS PROVIDED

eeling lucky? Cast your cultural bet on Opera Saratoga this summer and its American premiere of Rocking Horse Winner, the first opera ever to bring Thoroughbred horse racing to the stage.

The critically-acclaimed chamber opera, by Gareth Williams and Anna Chatterton, had its world premiere last season at Tapestry Opera in Toronto, Canada, and is a modern adaptation of the D.H. Lawrence short story first published in July 1926 in Harper’s Bazaar and later made into a full-length film, starring John Howard Davies, Valerie Hobson and John Mills, released in the United Kingdom in 1949 and in 1950 in the United States. Opera Saratoga’s artistic and general director, Lawrence Edelson, felt it was time to horse around: “I rode throughout my youth. I love horses and would have one now if I had more time.” Fortunately for opera lovers he’s been busy at the reins of this unique new production and team. “This is my first time working with Opera Saratoga,” said the musical mastermind behind Rocking Horse Winner, Gareth Williams, Chancellor’s Fellow at University of Edinburgh and musical director of NOISE (New Opera In Scotland Events). “It’s thrilling to make the music in an opera. You lay a track in front of the singers and they just saddle up and disappear ‘round the bend.” For librettist Anna Chatterton, it’s her tenth production (having previously written for the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto and Center for Contemporary Opera NYC) and her first time with Opera Saratoga. “I look at writing libretti as dramatic poetry. Having a composer set your words to music is deeply gratifying.” Williams and Chatterton sensed they had an odds-on favorite in this saga of love, luck and greed, as told through Paul, a boy obsessed with winning his aloof mother’s approval and surmounting the family’s financial woes through the strange magic he finds while riding a toy rocking horse. “I knew the story from a young age,” he said, “but it was only in discussion with Anna that we started to see the operatic

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Tyler Nelson

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statue within the stone. Once we took the leap, we didn’t look back.” “The story really lent itself to be sung,” she agreed. “There is so much rhythm to work with, from the race track to the eerie feeling of the house and characters.” “The racing backdrop,” he added, “allows an epic feeling – the thrill of the crowd, the sound of the hooves. But at its heart it’s a story of a boy and his mother, that broke my heart, and I hope that resonates with everyone.” Chatterton was drawn to the mother. “She’s a complex character. It was a treat to work with the words and imagination of D.H. Lawrence, then layer in my words, style and perspective.” The connection between a boy and his mount also tugged at Williams’ wry heartstrings. “When I was eight, I had a Shetland pony, called Pepsi. Sadly, we outgrew each other before we had a chance to win The Grand National.” For the more astute modern music lovers in the audience, Williams has slipped in a subtle homage to the New York City musician behind the 1975 rock album, Horses: “There is one tiny ‘Easter egg’ during a scene at the races. Listen for my loving little doff of the cap to the great Patti Smith.” Co-commissioned by Scottish Opera and Tapestry Opera, Rocking Horse Winner is conducted by the Grammy Award-winning director for the Albany Symphony, David Alan Miller, and directed by Michael Hidetoshi Mori, with costuming by Valérie Thérèse Bart, and lighting and scenery design by Brandon Stirling Baker and Cameron Anderson. It will be presented at 7:30pm, Saturday, June 30, and at 2:00pm Friday July 6 and Saturday July 14, as part of Opera Saratoga’s double bill with Vinkensport, or The Finch Opera. Learn more at www.operasaratoga.org. SS

Jonathan Beyer (Danilo in The Merry Widow)

Michael Mori

Sean Galligan

Scott Quinn

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GRAMMY AWARD WINNER

JOEL MOSS

oel Moss came to Saratoga Springs to relax with friends and play golf for a couple of days in the summer of 2001. The record producer and sound engineer was in good company. Moss’ travel companion from NYC that day was the late iconic recording engineer, record producer, violinist and composer Phil Ramone, known for his work – some with Moss --with The Band, Bono, Ray Charles, Chicago, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand and Paul McCartney. An eight-time Grammy winner and Academy Award winner, Moss is a music industry luminary who teams with some of the greatest talent in American music history to produce records and live shows. His “little black book” includes contact info for longtime industry allies and personal friends whose names usually appear on marquees and his reach in the industry is global. Moss and Ramon had found themselves with an unexpected hiatus in their work schedule when a project they were collaborating on with Tony Bennett had to be postponed. Moss already had an open invitation to stay in her Saratoga summer digs with his long-time friend Anne Parsons, general manager at

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WRITTEN BY HELEN EDELMAN, PHOTOS BY TERRI-LYNN PELLEGRI the time of the New York City Ballet - now president of The Detroit Symphony - so he and Ramon “jumped into the car and headed north,” he recalled. (By coincidence, Ramon’s son was set to start Skidmore that fall.) As Parsons had predicted, Moss and Ramon had a blast. They played golf at Saratoga National, went to Hattie’s for dinner, then decided to wander up to Broadway. They landed at Wheatfield’s, where the stars aligned. Ramon had a drink and Moss had his usual – cranberry and soda. By chance, the bartender that night was the ebullient, beautiful Terri-Lynn Pellegri, a photographer and retailer by day. “Phil went home, but I stayed till closing,” said Moss, who fell hard, fast and forever for Pellegri. Moss - who had paid his dues in the music industry living, working and brushing shoulders with rich and famous entertainers for 30 years in Los Angeles - returned to NYC, commuting on weekends to Saratoga Springs as his relationship with Pellegri flourished. In August, he invited Terri-Lynn as his date for Tony Bennett’s 75th birthday celebration, then, on Sept. 10, 2001, Pellegri was Moss’ guest at a downtown Manhattan concert. They toyed

with the idea of staying nearby overnight, but decided, at the last minute, to return to his place on City Island. The next morning, standing at Moss’ window, they watched in shock and horror as the Twin Towers collapsed under attack. “Life got very scary in New York City after that,” Moss recalled with a frown and a shudder. “I remember what it felt like to be on the subway when Homeland Security boarded – like a war movie.” By January ‘02 he had moved lock, stock and barrel to Saratoga Springs. He began producing recordings at local studios, especially Wood’s End in Greenfield Center, traveling across the country from his new home base to meet and work with colleagues – many of whom were also friends -- including, among others, Harry Connick Jr., Charles Aznavour, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Now, 17 years later, Moss and Pellegri are married and Moss continues to orchestrate music magic from upstate New York. “It never crossed my mind that I would do anything but be in the music industry,” Moss said recently over a steaming mug at Spot Coffee Café on Railroad Place. “My life was all music, all the time. When I first came to saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Joel and Terri-Lynn Pellegri

himself as a bebop alto player, back when Detroit was the hub of jazz.” Moss, who was raised as an Orthodox Jew, snuck into music clubs with his mentors and idols, where he was exposed firsthand to the spectacular sounds of Thelonius Monk, Hank Jones and Count Basie. “It was the greatest introduction to music you could ever have,” he said. “It was a rarefied world. I think I am one of the luckiest people who ever lived.” (And it was a world in which music permeated the mundane, as well as the sublime - he also sang in his synagogue’s youth and adult choirs.)

Saratoga Springs, I was flabbergasted by the local music talent. I couldn’t believe the high quality – I would say more vibrant than Austin, Texas, 15 years ago. At first, I fumbled around trying to figure out what I could do here. In the second summer, I tried to get 10 musicians to do a compilation CD of Saratoga music – NYRA had committed to 25,000 of them, but the musicians didn’t know me very well, and they all passed. I was truly bummed out. Then, Terri-Lynn and her friend Susan Farnsworth, the former Downtown Business Association director of promotion and marketing, suggested I make the CD a fundraiser. I went back to the musicians and told them proceeds would go to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. That changed their minds - they all said yes, so we chose songs that wouldn’t incur royalty fees and called it ‘A Saratoga Christmas Wish.’ The late Charlie Eble at Wood’s End Studio in Greenfield Center donated his time and recording resources; Terri-Lynn got $5,000 donated for printing and manufacturing costs; artist Sharon Bolton donated design; and almost every single store along the four blocks of Broadway displayed and sold the CD, the only place they were available. We made Joel, George Martin, Maurice and Fong Jarre

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an astonishing $70,000 between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day and donated every penny of it. It was an outstanding success.” This is an intoxicating accolade from a man who won a Grammy for “Album of the Year” for his work with Ray Charles, an experience that stands out for him as one of the most moving in his career, made more poignant by Charles’ death two weeks later. He also took home an Academy Award for his work on the soundtrack for the hit movie “Chicago,” so praise from Moss should not be taken lightly. Moss’s extraordinary pathway was destined. His grandfather was a first-chair clarinetist for The Detroit Symphony and young Joel’s caretaker while both his parents were at work. As a kid, he sat next to the symphony conductor during rehearsals, but his music education extended far beyond that classical genre. Grandpa also played traditional klezmer music with legendary comedian, clarinetist, saxophonist and Jewish humorist Mickey Katz and was pals with Spike Jones. “I was hanging out with music geniuses in the ‘50s,” said Moss, who will be 72 in May. “My grandfather was an excellent classical musician, but he viewed

He loved to listen to the pros, but that wasn’t enough. Inevitably, at the age of 12, Moss was performing with a folk quintet, The Hiliters, comprised of older boys from his synagogue. A life-changing highlight was the Battle of the Bands at the Michigan State Fair in the summer of ’58. Three thousand bands competed, the Hiliters won and were invited to Chicago to play at a giant hootenanny and record. “At this point, I was 12, my mother said no way was I going to Chicago, but the other guys in the band came over and sweet-talked her, told her they’d keep me kosher and get me to bed on time. She finally relented and we went off to Chicago on a Greyhound bus,” Moss recalls. He didn’t exactly comply with the rules on that trip, but he did meet Richie Havens and Joan Baez, and his band played in front of an audience of thousands. Though they were not a headliner, top acts caught their set and, “We made cool connections,” he said. In fact, the Hiliters were asked to go on the road as the opening act at nine colleges – again above his mother’s unsuccessful objections. They appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and on “Hootenanny.” All the while, Moss was juggling music with high school. He graduated at 16 and went to Yale, later switching to the University of Minnesota, where he majored

Michael Gore (composer “fame” “terms of Endearment” “Carrie” the musical) Larry Cohen

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in architecture, worked with The Minnesota Orchestra and recorded musicians such as Al Jarreau, Bobby Lyle and Willy Weeks. When folk music's popularity waned, Moss became a sound engineer and producer for rock-and-roll bands in Minneapolis and his native Detroit. He moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and found work producing and engineering projects for recording artists Little Richard, Joe Cocker and Johnny Cash, among other big names, and became the executive director and chief engineer of The Record Plant Recording Studios in 1986, which operated Paramount Pictures’ scoring stage, enabling Moss to expand his musical portfolio to include film music. He developed new technology and production techniques and became a member of the advisory board, developing digital formats for film sound. He estimates he has worked on 300 soundtracks. In 1990, Moss became associated with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, working with Maestro John Mauceri and composer Michael Gore. He founded his own company, Managra Music, in 1997, specializing in jazz and theatre and has counted major headliners among his best friends. Moss’ contributions to the music universe also includes being a mentor and producer at Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight, a Broadway start-up label that has evolved as a major presence in the theater world. Since 2000, he has produced some 150 CD projects for top artists and shows in NYC, including the Tony-winning “Drowsy Chaperone,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” and Lin Manuel Miranda’s debut, Tony- and Grammy-winning “In the Heights.” “Music energizes me,” says Moss. “When I’m in the midst of something, I don’t move away from it. I could be working for 12 hours straight and I don’t notice the time go by.” Charles Aznavour singer/songwriter (the Tony Bennet of Europe)

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Achievements there notwithstanding, Moss detested the L.A. traffic and culture and was thrilled to break away from it when he moved to the east coast. Today, in addition to his work for out-of-town stars, he devotes himself to Caffe Lena and is recording and promoting local artists. He points, particularly, at Annie and the Hedonists, a group that features musically versatile Saratogians Peter Davis, Jonny Rose, Don Young and the enchanting vocalist, Annie Rosen, who Moss refers to as, “the perfect singer,” and newest hedonist, Jerry Marotta, whom he calls “one of the best drummers in the world.” He has also recently wrapped up two long term projects, Canadian singer/songwriter, Ariana Gillis’s EP, Headfull of Stars and the world jazz band, Heard’s CD, Flyway, led by “the amazingly gifted Elizabeth Woodbury Kasius.” Moss shared that, “Ariana is a Juno Award-winning artist. Her songs, her voice and her musicianship are captivating.” He also produced the first EP by the world music goup, Golfström, and is a big fan of The Hot Club of Saratoga. In addition, Moss has launched a series featuring the great jazz pianist Chuck Lamb, now a local resident, and a monthly gospel brunch, A Joyful Noise, led by Garland Nelson, both presented by Caffe Lena. Lena’s is not the only venue Moss touts. He wants to generate more music with the Spa Little Theater in the Spa State Park, and would like to see more communityinvolved programming at Skidmore’s Zankel auditorium, which he considers an acoustical gem. Before he moved permanently to Saratoga Springs, Moss had passed through once in 1963 to play at Caffe Lena with the Hiliters, on the way from Yale, in New Haven, Conn., to a gig in Syracuse.

October day,” he recalls. “It looked too dangerous to even get out of the car, but we went upstairs anyway, and played to a full house and everyone knew our songs.” “I am absolutely committed to figuring out how to make an imprint globally, as well as locally, conveying what Caffe Lena is and can be,” Moss says, with conviction. “The Caffe has a world-class sound system and is wired for streaming video. Executive Director Sarah Craig is the soul of the Caffe and now that we have Elizabeth Sobol as president of SPAC, there’s nothing we can’t do as a music community. I can’t imagine living anywhere else on earth.” SS To learn more about Joel Moss’ colleagueships and contributions, visit www.managramusic.com.

“We pulled into town around 4 p.m., on an Dr. Billy Taylor jazz piano

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Tommy Tunes Charms the Crowd at the

National Museum of Dance Photos by Blackburn PortraitDesign

century to the present day with the all-male comic ballet troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo as the centerpiece. Thirty-five costumes are featured from dance companies such as Mark Morris Dance Group, New York City Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. Further highlights include rare headpieces owned by dancer and Ballets Russes choreographer Michel Fokine and a special section devoted to American artist Edward Gorey.

The 2018-2019 season at the National Museum of Dance promises to be one of the most compelling yet, with six new exhibitions and a dynamic roster of programming. The season kicked off in April with the opening of Gender Neutral, an exhibition which explores nontraditional roles in dance from the eighteenth saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

In celebration of the completion of the Museum’s Please Take Your Seat Campaign for the Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Riggi Theater, Broadway legend Tommy Tune performed for a private audience of seat sponsors in the Theater on April 27. Tune, a 2009 Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame inductee and a great friend of the Museum, thrilled patrons with his signature style and unforgettable performance in this unique performing arts venue. Another highlight of the 2018-2019 exhibition schedule is Tom Caravaglia in Celebration of Alwin Nikolais, the Museum’s newest Art in the Foyer installation which opened in May. It presents over twenty-five images by renowned

dance photographer Tom Caravaglia of the work of groundbreaking choreographer and multimedia artist Alwin Nikolais in this twentyfifth anniversary year of Nikolais’ passing. The photography exhibition vAlicia Alonso’s Giselle honors the seventy-fifth anniversary of Cuban prima ballerina assoluta Alicia Alonso’s premiere in the iconic role of Giselle and her long and extraordinary history with this ballet. This exhibition was inspired by the historic performances of Giselle by Alonso’s National Ballet of Cuba at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in June. Dancers After Dark: Photographs by Jordan Matter opens June 30 and features nude photographs of dancers taken around the world from Matter’s highly compelling 2016 book of the same title. This exhibition will also feature exclusive video from the making of Dancers After Dark. Finally, the Museum’s 2018 Hall of Fame nominees, Lucinda Childs and Alfredo Corvino, will be inducted at the Museum’s School of the Arts Gala on August 11 and honored with exhibitions celebrating their extraordinary lives and careers in dance. Visit the Museum’s website www.dancemuseum. org for information on special programming throughout the 2018-2019 season.

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Mimi Roy “A NIGHT OF MUSIC” WILL HOST

TO BENEFIT WELLSPRING WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY LANA ORTIZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Mimi Roy

isn’t shy talking about the positive role Wellspring has recently played in her life. After enduring years of emotional and verbal abuse from her former husband, Mimi made the courageous decision to take her children and get out of the relationship before it began to have an even worse impact on her family. For those people who have been fortunate to never have need of an organization such as Wellspring, they may not know what it is and what it does. Wellspring, formerly known as Domestic Violence Services, has been working in the community since 1982 and is committed to ending relationship and sexual abuse in the region. Last year alone, Wellspring answered over 1,400 hotline calls, provided 17,611 nights of safe shelter and supportive housing, counseled 1,030 survivors of abuse and their loved ones, and provided education about the signs of relationship and sexual abuse to 5,400 members of local schools and community groups. Wellspring was there for Mimi during the hard times and continues to offer her moral support and encouragement today. For that reason, Mimi is planning “A Night of Music,” an evening of light classical, Broadway show tunes and original music by Mimi Roy herself. Mimi is a classically trained and accomplished singer. Before her marriage, she was well on her way to establishing herself in the region as a sought-after performer. She had her own record label and was performing at venues across the northeast. All that came to an end as her ex-husband steadily tore down her self-esteem and forced her to abandon her dream. Anyone who has endured emotional and verbal abuse will tell you that it can be as debilitating in its own way as physical or sexual abuse. You begin to question your abilities, your self-worth and your value as a human being. But it wasn’t until her ex began to demean and verbally mistreat their son that Mimi decided to get out. Her younger daughter was also beginning to be more aware of her father’s hurtful behavior toward her mother. “How could I let my son and daughter think that this way of being treated was okay?” says Mimi.

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She secretly began making arrangements to move out, hiding packing cartons and surreptitiously planning what she would take. The day to move came. Mimi knew her ex-husband would not be home until much later and she packed her things, piled the kids in the car and got out.

Most exciting is Mimi’s return to the recording studio. She has already begun writing and producing her own music, which she composes and performs in three languages. Mimi will debut some original songs during the evening, and she and other performers will entertain the audience with classical music and Broadway favorites.

In the intervening years, it hasn’t been easy and there have been times that Mimi suffered doubts and despair. But she is rapidly returning to the independent, motivated and passionate person she once was.

Wellspring’s Executive Director, Maggie Fronk, is excited to support Mimi’s upcoming concert. “We are happy to work with Mimi to get the word out about the event.”

“One day, I looked in the mirror and, where before I saw someone whom I didn’t really recognize, on this morning, I saw my reflection and I said, ‘There you are!’” Her old self was finally looking back at her and saying, “This is who you are, Mimi. And you can do it!” Mimi has also rediscovered her voice –in every sense of the word.

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Mimi is currently reaching out to potential sponsors for the event, which will be held sometime later in the summer. After paying the costs of the event venue, the accompanists and crew, Mimi is donating the entire proceeds from ticket sales to Wellspring. Tickets will be available on her website at $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring the evening or purchasing a ticket to “A Night of Music” can reach out to Mimi on her Facebook page. SS

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SIGNATURE A R T FOR THE ICONIC 120

SARATOGA POLO SEASON

CELEBRATION

hen it came time to imagine the perfect icon for Saratoga Polo Association’s 120th Anniversary Season, it was only natural to turn to a local artist who not only has created signature artwork for Whitney Field, but someone who would create something unique and original. Frankie Flores is that artist. “Since Saratoga Polo Association’s 120th Anniversary comes only once, we wanted to create that one-of-a-kind snapshot that celebrates everything, that exemplifies our unique traditions and the strength of the sport,” said Alan Edstrom, Director of Events at Saratoga Polo, “Not only has Frankie created the art for the painted horse in front of the Clubhouse, and designed trophies for the season, he has that artistic sensibility that embraces our sense of our style.” Although the sketch that Flores is working on is “in progress”, the strength, line, and power of the design is befitting to celebrating polo at Whitney Field. Flores summed it up by saying, “I am very excited to participate in the project - the piece is simple, and the visuals are strong and beautiful.” Matches at Saratoga Polo Association are every Friday and Sunday, begining Friday July 6th, running through September 6th with the gates opening at 4pm and action on the field beginning at 5:30pm at Whitney Field, 2, Bloomfield Road, in Greenfield Center. For tickets and more information, go to saratogapolo.com or call 518 584-8108. For information on the art of the polo season, contact Frankie Flores, Flores Fine Art Gallery, www.floresart7.com.

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SARATOGA POLO ASSOCIATION

120th Anniversary Celebration The Veuve Clicquot is always pouring and the celebration is yours to enjoy! Every Friday and Sunday July 6 through September 2, Whitney Field promises to be even more fun as we celebrate our 120th-anniversary season. When Saratoga Polo stepped into the limelight back in 1898, Thomas Ediison’s latest technology, the kinetoscope, was all the rage. Mega-celebrities Diamond Jim Brady and Lillian Russell wandered Broadway in Saratoga Springs, and New York City expanded when the five boroughs banded together to create the city that never sleeps. At the same time, tourists flocked upstate to summer in a Saratoga Springs that welcomed polo to the already famous racecourse scene.

Although times and technology have changed, the iconic sport at Saratoga Polo Association will be returning with world-class polo on Fridays and Sundays starting in July this summer. More importantly, this year’s parties will be even bigger at Whitney Field with the 120th Anniversary Season. Even more than a century later, the excitement is still present at Saratoga, and we’re pulling out all the stops - it’s going to be a real dog and pony show.

DOG AND PONY SHOW: No…seriously…on July 15thAIM Services Inc presents the Dog and Pony Show Cup The Dog Show will start promptly at 4:45pm, followed by the Polo match at 5:30pm. Dog friendly vendors will be set up throughout the event. There is also an additional pre-event photo contest for Saratoga’s Top Dog! The Dog Show is open to all dogs, big and small, categories include:

• • • • • •

Dog That Looks Most Like its Owner Dog That Looks Least Like its Owner Best Trick Happiest Dog Best of Show Prizes will be awarded to the winners!

Even more importantly, AIM Services, Inc raises much needed funds for their programs that support the “power of potential” in people of diverse abilities. 70 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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2018

THE 2018 SARATOGA POLO ASSOCIATION 120th ANNIVERSARY TOURNAMENT SEASON

July 6 Celebrate Saratoga Tournament July 8 Celebrate Saratoga Tournament July 13 SPA Anniversary Tournament July 15 SPA Anniversary Tournament The AIM Services, Inc. Dog and Pony Show Cup " Saratoga’s Top Dog”

August 10 The Barrantes Cup Tournament OrthoNY Cup August 12 The Barrantes Cup Tournament Madison Wealth Managers Cup August 17 The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament August 19 The Ylvisaker Cup Tournament

July 20 Veuve Clicquot Challenge Tournament July 22 Veuve Clicquot Challenge Tournament

August 24 The Saratoga Special Tournament August 26 The Saratoga Special Tournament

July 27 The Times Union presents The Mid- Summer Celebration Tournament July 29 The Times Union presents The Mid-Summer Celebration Tournament

August 31 The Polo Hall of Fame Tournament September 2 The Polo Hall of Fame Tournament

August 3 The Whitney Cup Tournament August 5 The Whitney Cup Tournament

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EVERY FRIDAY AND SUNDAY AT 5:30PM (GATES OPEN AT 4PM) To Purchase Tickets CLICK HERE JULY 6 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2018

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The Adelphi Hotel will also be partnering with Saratoga Polo, and great cross-promotions at Whitney Field and at the hotel are planned with Veuve Clicquot and more! In celebration of the 120th anniversary, renowned Saratoga Springs artist Frankie Flores is creating a signature painting that will be showcased on the front cover of Equicurean Magazine, in posters, on apparel, and even as one-of-a-kind artist paintings.

FOOD, FASHION, AND FUN The Adelphi Hotel will also be partnering with Saratoga Polo, and great cross-promotions at Whitney Field and at the hotel are planned with Veuve Clicquot and more! Whitney Field is proud to welcome our new Food & Beverage Partner Brad Lewis of B-Rad’s Catering who will help us celebrate our 120th featuring new food, a new chef, new menu specials, and signature cocktails. Food lovers beware... you're in for a tasty surprise! The US POLO ASSN Shop at Saratoga Polo has put together exclusive 120th Anniversary apparel with hats, shirts, dresses, as well as souvenir balls and posters for gifts for family and friends conveniently located in the Clubhouse! Plus, it wouldn’t be Saratoga Polo if you didn’t try your hand at a Veuve Clicquot sabrage at every match during the season. The celebration will hit its peak at the 120th party on Whitney Cup Sunday, August 5, with owners and special guests from Saratoga Polo’s last 40 years. The season kicks off with the Celebrate Saratoga Tournament and culminates with the Polo Hall of Fame Tournament,

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featuring some of the most exciting polo to be seen along the way. Tickets, tables, and tailgating spaces are going quickly!

MORE TO EXPLORE

• •

Young talent sing the National Anthem

•

Upset, The Dark Horse Mascot from Impressions of Saratoga visits

•

The Times Union Presents The Mid-Summer Celebration Tournament

• •

OrthoNY will be hosting a Match Cup this Season

Adirondack Thunder Hockey Celebration Opening Day

JuJuGemZ of Saratoga is creating beautiful 120th Anniversary jeweled trophy stand gifts that will also be sold exclusively at Whitney Field

•

This year, The Whitney Cup trophy and the Veuve Clicquot Cup will be brought to the field by Independent Helicopter ...and lots, lots more every Friday and Sunday July 6th through September 2nd - the gates open at 4pm and the matches begin at 5:30pm!

Tickets can be purchased on-line at saratogapolo.com/tickets and you can always find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at saratogapolo.com

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Photo by Cliff Oliver

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IT'S GALA SEASON!

COMPILED BY INTERN CASEY REEDER, PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

K 25th Annual Annual Siro’s Cup

Javier Castellano and Marylou

WHEN: July 19th at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Siro’s Restaurant, Saratoga Springs WHY: Benefit the Center for Disability Services alongside past Siro’s Cup award winners, the 2018 honoree, notables from the horse racing industry and racing fans. TICKET COST: $125 per person, $1100 for a group of ten, $150 at the door ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit www.cfdsny.org/htmlweb/Events. html or call 518-944-2125 for information.

K 65 Roses: The Opening Day Soiree WHEN: Friday, July 20th at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Celebrate the progress and mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the grand ballroom and ballroom balcony with panoramic views of the golf course and Owl Pond. Enjoy music and dancing to the band Gravity, dinner by Mazzone Hospitality, and an open bar with specialty drinks. Experience a silent and live auction. TICKET COST: $190 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: 65rosessoiree.eventscff.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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The New York City K Ballet Gala- The Four Seasons WHEN: Saturday, July 21st at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Performing Arts Center WHY: This year’s event is a special New York City Ballet performance featuring the SPAC premiere of a new work directed by Tony Award-winning choreographer and director Warren Carlyle, which will celebrate the Broadway choreography of Jerome Robbins. TICKET COST: $55 – $285 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: visit tickets.spac.org See page 47 for more information.

Saratoga Bridges K Annual Gala: The White Party WHEN: Saturday, July 21st at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Support Saratoga Bridges, an organization that has provided the highest level of quality and professional care to people with developmental disabilities and their families for over 55 years. Enjoy a night featuring a Live Auction, delicious food from Mazzone Catering, and complimentary cocktails. Experience artwork from our talented Creative Endeavors Artists, festive décor, entertainment from GRAVITY, a cigar roller from James & Sons Tobacconists, and an evening closer of fireworks. TICKET COST: $175, $125 (Under 35) – by 6/30, Price increases by $25 after 6/30 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit www.saratogabridges.org/ fundraising-events/annual-gala/ or call Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: 518-587-0723 ext. 1242

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Fun & Bold Prints This Summer! Wrinkle-Free dresses skim your curves in just the right way! Every woman should not only look their best, but also feel their best!

Yellow Boutique 491 Broadway 518.581.1700 yellowbtq.com

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6th Annual Hay, K Oats & Spaghetti WHEN: Monday, July 23rd at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Automobile Museum: 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs WHY: Support the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation during a casual dinner with friends to celebrate saving racehorses since 1983 with an evening generously donated by Giuseppe and Laurie Grisio, the owners of Mama Mia’s Restaurant & Bravo! TICKET COST: $100 ATTIRE: Summer Casual FOR TICKETS: Visit www.trfinc.org/event/6thannual-hay-oats-spaghetti-2/ or call 518-226-0028

Polo by Twilight: K The 39th Annual Palamountain Scholarship Benefit WHEN: Tuesday, July 24th at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Polo Association, Denton Road in Greenfield Center WHY: All proceeds from the Palamountain Scholarship Benefit and Polo Match go to the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, created to honor Skidmore's late president and his wife for their 22 years of dedicated service and leadership at the College. The scholarship provides support for students to attend Skidmore. TICKET COST: $150 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit https://www.skidmore.edu/ palamountainbenefit/index.php

An Unbridled Affair Gala K WHEN: Thursday, July 26th at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Holiday Inn at Saratoga Springs

WHY: Support CAPTAIN Community Human Services, an organization that supports and empowers people of all ages to reach their goals of personal growth and self-sufficiency. The evening will be marked by elegant fare and beverages; dancing; live and silent auctions. ATTIRE: Summer Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit https://captaincares.org/ news-events/an-unbridled-affair-gala.html 78 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Photo by SupersourceMedia.com

Stand-out this summer in a dress with rhinestone detailing along with a 3/4 open sleeve by Joseph Ribkoff. Or try a multi tie sleeveless fuchsia top with floral side trim soft dressing pant also by Joseph Ribkoff.

Spoken

27 Church Street 518.587.2772 spokensaratoga.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Fashionable Fillies Luncheon K WHEN: Monday, July 30th

WHERE: Saratoga National Gold Club WHY: Benefit The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and Shelters of Saratoga. TICKET COST: $150 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal, Hats/ Fascinators recommended FOR TICKETS: Visit tjcfoundation.org

Riders Up! Karaoke K WHEN: Monday, July 30 / 5:30 p.m.

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

Health, Horses K & Making History WHEN: Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 at 6:00 pm WHERE: The National Museum of Dance 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York WHY: Led by the Second Chance Sports & the Learning League, come support our veterans, active military, track folks that need our assistance and select non-profits that need help. Featuring professional musicians, a "tasting" from several of the area’s best restaurants/caterers, dancing, live and silents auctions and raffles. TICKET COST: $125 per person FOR TICKETS: Call (518) 226-9731 or visit www.secondchancesports.org

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Pink Paddock 358 Broadway &

Stuyvesant Plaza Albany 518.438.7465

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Saratoga Hospital’s K 36th Annual Summer Gala WHEN: Wednesday, August 1st at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: The Polo Meadow at Saratoga Casino Hotel WHY: The Saratoga Hospital Gala is is a major source of support for the Saratoga Hospital's Saratoga Community Health Center. TICKET COST: $175 per person, $125 junior attendee (21-35) ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal FOR TICKETS: Visit www.501auctions.com/summergala

Equine Advocates K

17th Annual Awards Dinner & Charity Auction WHEN: August 2nd at 6 pm WHERE: Canfield Casino, Saratoga Springs WHY: Equine Advocates will celebrate 22 years of rescuing and protecting horses and seventeen years of holding its annual benefit in Saratoga. This year's distinguished honorees are Terry Finley and Wanda Polisseni. The evening includes hors d' oeuvres & cocktail hour, silent & live auctions, award presentations and a gourmet sit-down dinner by Mazzone Hospitality. COST: $250 (general seating), $500 (V.I.P. seating) ATTIRE: Casual Elegance FOR TICKETS: call (518) 392-0175 or visit equineadvocates.org

9th Annual K After the Race Cocktail Party WHEN: Sunday, August 5th at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: A celebration in honor of our retired Thoroughbreds TICKET COST: $100 ATTIRE: “Clubhouse” FOR TICKETS: Visit oldfriendsatcabincreek.com/ upcoming-events

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Embroidered Yolanda top by Joules: $85 Distressed ankle slim jeans by Silver Jeans: $99 Embellished straw tassel tote by Shiraleah: $72 Santa Cruz natural pom slide by Kanaas: $108

Caroline and Main 438 Broadway 518.450.7350

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Croquet on the Green: Amateur Tournament and Golf Party K WHEN: Tuesday, August 7th at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Rd, Saratoga Springs WHY: Benefit AIM Services, Inc. in support of the power of potential in people of diverse abilities. The tournament consists of teams of two and is open to all ages, abilities, and skill. Enjoy on-site cigar rolling from Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe, martini and bubbly tastings from Specialty Wines & More, catering by Deliciously Different Specialty Items, music, and special raffles throughout the event. TICKET COST: $50 per person to play Croquet and attend Garden Party, $40 per person to only attend Garden Party ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal, Hats/Fascinators recommended FOR TICKETS: Visit www.aimservicesinc.org/events/ croquet/

The Sizzling Hot Pink K Saratoga Hat Luncheon WHEN: Thursday, August 9th WHERE: Saratoga Race Course

WHY: Benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Enjoy a cocktail reception, luncheon, and boutique shopping. TICKET COST: Underwriter (includes table of 10 and acknowledgement) - $5,000 Benefactor (includes table of 10) - $2,500 Tiara - $1,000 Fascinator - $500 Beret - $300 Pink Ribbon Hat - $200 ATTIRE: Summer Semi-Formal, Hat/Fascinator recommended FOR TICKETS: Visit www.playforpink.org/event/ saratoga-sizzling-hot-pink-hat-luncheon-2018-2/

41st Annual Museum Ball K WHEN: Friday, August 10th

WHERE: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame WHY: Enjoy cocktails and dinner benefitting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame TICKET COST: $500 (Invitation only) ATTIRE: Black tie FOR TICKETS: Call 518-584-0400 ext. 107. or visit racingmuseum.org 84 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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BCBGMaxAzria Tropical Garden Crop Top ($138) and Wrap Skirt ($228) Sam Edelman Yaro sandal in Silver ($120) Hobo Darcy crossbody bag in Grenadine ($98) Sonya Renee Perry Medium earring in Sterling Silver ($65)

Violet's

494 Broadway 518.584.4838 VioletsofSaratoga.com

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National Museum of Dance Gala K WHEN: Saturday, August 11th

WHERE: The National Museum of Dance WHY: The annual gala is the Museum's largest fundraiser and the highlight of Saratoga's summer season. ATTIRE: Black tie FOR TICKETS: Visit www.dancemuseum.org/events/ or call (518) 584-2225

NY Chaplaincy Brunch K WHEN: Wednesday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Course WHY: Raise funds for programs and events for all three NYRA Backstretch communities. TICKET COST: $120 ATTIRE: Summer casual FOR TICKETS: Visit rtcany.org

The Health. History K and Horses Charity Gala WHEN: Thursday, August 16th at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave in Saratoga Springs WHY: Sponsored by Ladies of Charity Saratoga Vicariate. Funds raised are distributed to the poor in Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Featuring food, cash bar, music, silent auction, basket raffle. TICKET COST: $75 ATTIRE: Summer festive FOR TICKETS: Visit ladiesofcharitysaratoga.org or call Linda at 518-583-4020 or Gail at 518-587-5392

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From chic and breezy maxi dresses to cocktail and sundresses, Lucia is your go-to boutique for all of your Summer wardrobe needs. Baby Blues Polka Dot Maxi Dress by our favorite new designer, Sage the Label.

Lucia

454 Broadway #8 518.587.7890

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One Fine Day Shelters K of Saratoga Celebration WHEN: Tuesday, August 21st at 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Help to provide a secure future for community members in need, featuring complimentary valet parking, seasonal fare by Prime at Saratoga National, Lifestyles of Saratoga pop-up shop, entertainment and silent auction. TICKET COST: $75 ATTIRE: Summer casual FOR TICKETS: Visit sheltersofsaratoga.org

Racing for the Children K

WHEN: Wednesday, August 22nd, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. WHERE: TBA WHY: Support daycare and school programs for children whose parents work at the backstretch at Saratoga. This year’s event will honor Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga. ATTIRE: Summer Semi-formal FOR TICKETS: Visit belmontchildcare.org

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Marianne Vintage inspired Full Zip Hoodie, Red comfort washed V-Neck t-shirt and a 2 toned Trucker Hat, all decorated with our own Dark Horse brand logo’s Maddy Saratoga Horseshoe Spirit jersey with a Nantucket Red embroidered Saratoga Cap Pups Smitty, Pupa, Smalls & Cookie all sporting a custom Saratoga bandana or collar and leash

Impressions of Saratoga 368 Broadway 518.587.0666

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Photos by Cathleen Duffy

Saratoga Fashion Show VIP Party K WHEN: The evening of Wednesday, August 22nd WHERE: The Adelphi Hotel WHY: Come meet this year’s featured guest designer, Nicole Miller at the beautiful Adelphi Hotel the night before the big event. TICKET COST: Sponsor Packages and Honorary Committee Packages usually contain tickets to the VIP Party. General Admission ticket prices will be released during June. FOR TICKETS: Visit rmhcofalbany.org

20th Annual K Saratoga Fashion Show WHEN: Thursday, August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. WHERE: Saratoga Race Course WHY: Benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. Natalie Sillery will once again be presenting a dazzling fashion show featuring the latest styles from Saratoga Trunk as well as many renowned New York City designers. ATTIRE: Summer festive FOR TICKETS: Visit rmhcofalbany.org

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High Fashion High Style Low prices

Finds

454 Broadway findssamplesale.com Photo by Bethany Ritter saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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20th Annual K Travers Wine Tasting

WHEN: Friday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga Springs City Center WHY: Proceeds from this year’s event go directly toward improving the lives of the elderly in the Greater Capital Region. For more than 65 years, Senior Services of Albany has delivered vital services and programs to this vulnerable population throughout the Capital Region. This event features more than 100 varieties of fine wines, craft beer, and liquors, as well as gourmet food for your enjoyment, and a variety of auctions, raffles and other exciting attractions. TICKET COST: $140 ATTIRE: Summer formal FOR TICKETS: Visit seniorservicesofalbany.com, call (518) 465-3322, or email Maria Jones at mjones@ seniorservicesofalbany.com

Saratoga Bridges K Annual Travers Day at the Races WHEN: Saturday, August 25th at 11:00 a.m. WHERE: The Easy Goer Restaurant at the Saratoga Race Course WHY: Held on Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course, this event includes reserved seating and hospitality with a delicious buffet and beverage service at The Easy Goer Restaurant. Ticket price 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. TICKET COST: $160 ATTIRE: Track attire FOR TICKETS: Visit saratogabridges.org or call MondayFriday from 7:30-4:00 p.m.: 518-587-0723 ext. 1242

6th Annual K St. Jude Gala

WHEN: Thursday, August 30th at 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Saratoga National Golf Club WHY: Guests will enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food and desserts and silent and live auctions, all benefiting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children. TICKET COST: $175 ATTIRE: Semi-formal FOR TICKETS: Visit stjude.org

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Blue Spangled Evening K WHEN: Monday, August 13 / 6 p.m. WHERE: Hall of Springs WHY: Support Saratoga WarHorse, a program that helps veterans suffering from psychological wounds as well as providing Thoroughbreds with meaningful work when their careers are over. COST: $250, $150 (junior), $100 (active military or veterans) ATTIRE: Summer semi formal FOR TICKETS: call (518) 886-8131 or visit saratogawarhorse.com

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T he Olde Bryan Inn Serves Up History, Hearty Food and a Happy Staff WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOS BY BLACKBURN PORTRAIT DESIGN

ituated atop a bluff overlooking the historic “Healing Spring of the Great Spirit” sits The Olde Bryan Inn on Maple Avenue. The third oldest building in the city, OBI, as it is known locally, rests on the oldest site in the city and is both a repository of history as well as a gathering place for generations of Saratogians.

Steven Sullivan, known to just about everyone in town as “Sully,” has been at the helm of OBI since 1981, when he became partners with Joe Wilkenson and Dave Powers. During that time, the restaurant has carved out its niche as a place to enjoy hearty food in an atmosphere of cordiality. Just as Alexander Bryan, a Revolutionary War hero and Saratoga’s first permanent resident, intended, OBI is the quintessential “neighborhood tavern.” Of course, what we know today as the tavern was actually part of a residence, and what is now the bar was really two rooms used for cooking and eating. The original tavern was a log structure located across the street from the OBI. Perhaps it’s the rough-hewn beams and the quarried stone; it could be the more than 600 pewter beer steins, that belong to life-long customers of the tavern, resting in the original Skidmore mailboxes; or maybe it’s the languid nude reclining atop the massive stone wall, beckoning customers to the warmth of the hearth below. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Whatever it is, the feeling you get at OBI is one of warmth, welcome and hospitality. And it doesn’t all come from the ambience. It’s also a consequence of the culture Sully and his team have worked hard to develop and refine over the years. “It didn’t just happen overnight,” says Sully. A natural entrepreneur, Steven Sullivan is originally from Boston, the eldest of five children. He came to Skidmore in the 1970’s, originally intending to become a dentist. “They had a good pre-med program. Instead, I ended up with a degree in psychology.” Go figure. Sully put himself through school waiting tables and tending bar, ultimately starting his own antiques business. He bought and sold large antiques and, one day he went by the old stone building on Maple Avenue and saw some large church pews sitting outside. The building was in the process of being renovated. Sully inquired if the pews were for sale. They weren’t. However, one thing led to another and Sully was hired as a waiter at the OBI, a few years later becoming a partner in the business. Since then, he and his team have learned the importance of creating a place that welcomes customers; but one that also nurtures and supports its staff. That is one of the reasons customers have been returning to OBI for 37 years – and why some of its employees have been there since the beginning. It’s hard to get a job there because nobody ever wants to leave. Take John Kosek, for example. He has been there since the beginning and started as a chef. He left to complete his undergraduate degree at UNLV, returning to Saratoga a few years later to become the OBI’s General Manager. Kosek is also an amateur archaeologist and he loves telling the history of the building and the people who lived there. During renovations and expansions over the years, he has presided over the “digs,” discovering and preserving artifacts from the 1700s to the present day. Among his prize collections are a colonial coin dating back to the 1770’s and an 1880 Morgan silver dollar. Shards of pottery, old rusted belt buckles and carpentry nails and tools round out the collection. Kosek’s love of history and archaeology have turned into an opportunity to engage the youngest members of the community. Every year, Kosek conducts nearly two dozen tours for groups of second graders from elementary schools in Saratoga and Schuylerville. They learn all about the history of the place, where the stone for the building was quarried, the people who lived there, what their lives were like and even stories of ghosts that may still inhabit the old building. “It’s pretty amazing when you realize that this building is 40 years older than the racetrack,” says Kosek. After the tour, the children enjoy an OBI grilled cheese and return to school with heads full of stories of Revolutionary war heroes, archaeology, and the earliest residents of the city. Creating a secondary role for the OBI as a place where young people can learn about their city and their heritage is just one of the ways the business nurtures its staff and encourages them to be their best selves. It’s also great for business. Kids want their parents to take them to the restaurant with the “two eyes” on the second floor of the building, referring to

Triad, 16"x20", oil on panel

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the two round windows that look over the street below. Many other employees attest to the culture of empowerment that leads to longevity with the company. There’s Johnny Capelli, who’s been with OBI for 26 years. “He’s more excited now then ever before about his work here and the business,” says Sully. Capelli started out as a line cook, gradually taking on more and more responsibility. Today, Sully says he is not only a great chef; he is also a wonderful leader and coach to the other employees. His other chef, J.D. Salvato, who is now the Executive Chef at Sully’s other establishment, Longfellows, started out as an intern. For Sully and his team, it’s all about empowerment and encouraging each other to be their best. “That’s something that comes about by listening and paying attention,” says Sully. And its something that doesn’t automatically happen. It has to be part of the work. “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care,” says Sully. For the people on the staff at Longfellows and OBI, they know how much they are appreciated and cared for. There’s Robin Kelsey, a manager at OBI with 22 years under her belt. Or Karen McLain, who is now Sully’s HR manager. She started out 27 years ago as a waitress and Sully calls her a great “right hand.” “We try to hire people who fit a certain profile: they want to stay local and we will train and develop them.” Sully mentions Kayla Benton. She started out as a busser, moving on to become a hostess and then a banquet worker. “She was a fantastic server and six years later she now tends bar. She is a model for what can be done when people want to thrive. We also encourage our people to continue their education.” Over the years, Sully has learned the value of making a difference for his staff by being sensitive to their needs. 24"x36", on canvas Schedules are made upAssistant a monthStarters, in advance, so oil people can plan for the important things in their own lives that need to be attended to. He has also been at the forefront of the city’s initiative to develop affordable housing for people who work in the hospitality industry. “Most of our workforce comes here from Fort Ann, Hudson Falls, Salem and Greenwich,” he says, adding that this is where there are opportunities to earn a living.” By making housing affordable in this area, people don’t have to make the long commutes to and from work, which in turn improves their quality of life with their families. So, while the hospitality, hearty menu and a rich and colorful history are part of what sets The Olde Bryan Inn apart from other establishments, you’d be hard pressed to find another business that takes as good care of their employees as they do their customers. SS

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Robert’s studio currently has 20 painting in progress at once. His layering process begins with a black and white sketch. He then paints the first of many layers. Each layer takes 3 days to dry. His work has been compared to American artist Edward Hopper.

MEET...

ROBERT WHEATON ARTIST

WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE PHOTOS PROVIDED

Self-taught native Saratogian Robert Wheaton used to ask himself, “Can I paint that?” Now confident in his artistic abilities his new question is, ”What should I paint?” Two of his fascinations- small family businesses and window buildings and their reflections- are incorporated into his distinctive art. Robert has always worked for family owned businesses- The Adelphi, The Pink Store and for the past 14 years Soave Faire- and feels it is important to support locally-owned businesses that put money directly back into our community. Viewing his portfolio is like taking a walk through time in Saratoga Springs. His linen and oil works bring to life former local favoritesTuttle’s Bakery, The Hub, Lou’s Luncheonette and Reruns- as well as current favorites like Caffe Lena and Hattie’s. His rule of “no people, no cars” make his pieces timeless. As a shy 16-year-old, Robert would sit on the front porch of his family’s Second Street home sketching his neighbor’s house. When the “wild” 14-year-old neighbor saw his drawing, he was impressed. His approval validated Robert as he continued to sketch buildings. 100 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

However, Robert didn’t realize he could paint until the 1980s when he was working as a renovator at the Adelphi Hotel. Owners Gregg Siefker and Shelia Parkert returned from a trip to France and were inspired by the murals in their hotel’s rooms. They asked Robert if he wanted to try and replicate the murals in the Adelphi. His success in room 12 led to other room murals and boosted his confidence in his ability to paint. Other side jobs followed. Vito Soave hired him to assist wallpapering rooms at Fasig -Tipton.

Robert’s favorite work captures the spirit of Caffe Lena’s in the window reflections.

Robert’s next biggest challenge was learning how to scale down his work from large murals to smaller pieces. Most artists use cotton canvas to create their work. As the head of Soave Faire’s art department, Robert feels the flax plant fibers of linen provide the perfect marriage with the oil paints he employs. “The flax plant fibers love the texture of the oil paints,” he notes. Many of his works have been made into postcards that can be purchased at Soave Faire for $1. Each is hand stamped for mailing and signed by Robert. His current answer to the question “What should I paint next?” …Night scenes that reflect the casting of light on Broadway buildings. Undoubtedly he will rise to this challenge! SS

Robert first tried painting at the Adelphi, creating murals in the bedrooms. His handpainted marbleized pillars were recently auctioned off during the building’s renovation. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

The Dream House Real Estate Team, at your service.

Brittany Alexander

Real Estate Salesperson balexander@roohanrealty.com 518.683.5159

Megan Alexander

Real Estate Salesperson

malexander@roohanrealty.com 732.690.9312

518.587.4500 | RoohanRealty.com | 519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs

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Artist Spotlight:

mi C h e l l e Va r a

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

he intersection of Ballard Road and Route 50 in Wilton is a rare place. Here, some drivers actually hope for a red light and a few extra moments to let their eyes linger among the sculptures spread out across the roadside lawn of miChelle Vara’s metalworking studio. What you cannot see in those brief moments driving by is that the sculptures often can evoke fiery emotions as they address the big questions in life with abstraction. “I translate thoughts and ideas into artwork,” said Vara, who considers it a triumph that she has been a professional artist for her entire life.

An Experienced Education Growing up on the shoreline of New Jersey, Vara found and collected bits of metal. Although the hobby at first irritated her mother’s organizational instincts, her entrepreneurial parents encouraged her artistic endeavors. By age 9, Vara opened up a tourist booth called “Shore Thing” to sell her creations. Beginning with painted signs and scenic images on seashells, by the time she completed school she’d learned how to weld. 102 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Vara’s been operating the Ballard Road Art Studio for 28 years, and sooner or later, people find her, she said. Teaming up with Chad Wilson, founder of C & C Specialty Iron, in 2000, she also fabricates and welds handrails, gates and other metal structures for clients. Five years ago Vara left the area to finish her Master’s Degree in the Fine and Studio Arts at England’s University of Plymouth. “I love information, to find things out and to look at things, do architectural research and to have time to argue my ideas, create art and to exchange information,” said Vara.

Hot-Button Issues Waking up at 4 a.m. and working until 11 p.m. daily, Vara approaches her work from many different angles. She practices airbrush, painting, drawing, photography and jewelry making in addition to the recycled abstract expressionist metal sculptures for which she is perhaps most well-known. After the Wilton Fire Department received an I-beam from the Twin Towers World Trade Center catastrophe in 2011, Vara used it to create the sculpture “Respectful Remembrances” exhibited in their station’s front entrance. Other examples of her work include the 2009 sculpture, “Henry Hudson and the Half Moon” in honor of the Hudson River’s founder, and the commissioned 2007 Revolutionary War commemorative sculpture “General Knox and the Train of Artillery.” “My work connects people, opens conversations and moves people in their own way,” said Vara. Her latest series of canvases have been painted with tar as a comment on Canada’s tar sands excavation (America’s biggest source of imported oil and dubbed one of the most environmentally destructive industrial projects in human history). Vara also just finished a seven year project called “Fortitude.” The sculpture addresses chronic illness and the amazing truth of what the human body can recover from. SS The Ballard Road Art Studio is open by appointment only. For more information go to https://www.michellevara.com or call 518-587-8706. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Mary Anne Fantauzzi ...Where will she go next?

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

The irresistible genius of Mary Anne Fantauzzi’s life is how movement and math intertwine to create a beautiful rhythm.

By 1982, she was offering a series of “Fitness by Fantauzzi” group exercise sessions.“It was the beginning of women getting involved in the fitness industry,” she said.

“My passions have completely balanced my right and left brain. It’s a miracle that it happened that way. What kind of great life is that?” she said.

Fantauzzi taught aerobics classes at Fit as a Fiddle and seven other gyms before opening Total Body Trifecta Inc. in 1997. Its motto is "the fitness studio where everyBODY wins.”

A Student of Style

Integration and Practical Application

“I remember always dancing. My uncle owned a dance hall and once a month I’d go there to dance. I remember doing the twist. That was so much fun,” she said. Then Fantauzzi’s practical side took over. From Saugerties, she attended the College of St. Rose and after graduation, began teaching at a Catholic middle school. “I was the most studious person in the world,” she said. She didn’t dance at all during this time – except at discos on the weekends. In 1980, Fantauzzi married her husband, Bob and they moved to the Saratoga area. She started teaching math at Saratoga Springs High School and taking continuing education fitness classes. “The combination of music and movement felt so joyous and I got hooked,” said Fantauzzi.

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Fantauzzi has maintained the venture for a simple reason. “It’s because I love these people. They experience changes in their bodies – they’ve never experienced more tone – their clothing fits better,” she said. Movement is also encouraged in her mathematics classroom aided by the wall-length blackboard she calls IRIS that Fantauzzi acquired through a grant. “I’m sitting over here working with a student and I can see what they’re doing over there. I can stop them while they’re working before it is cemented in. By the time they’ve finished a problem from the top of the board to the bottom, they’ve done squats or lunges writing it out. It’s gotten their blood flowing, which clears out the brain,” said Fantauzzi. The innovative Fantauzzi also spearheaded an initiative that made Saratoga Springs

High School the first outside of New York City to offer the New York City Ballet Workout. “What I didn’t have in technique, I had in passion,” she said.

Culminating in a Connected Alignment Retiring from the math department this year at age 62, Fantauzzi hopes to slow down a bit. She will still be teaching workouts at Total Body Trifecta, avidly watching New York City Ballet perform and be a presence at the school for the MOVE Dance Club she advises there. MOVE is mostly comprised of students with special needs. “It’s my favorite thing in the whole world. It’s the epitome of positivity and smiles. Some are in wheel chairs, but their physical and intellectual disabilities don’t hold them back one iota,” said Fantauzzi. She has been a National Museum of Dance volunteer for 31 years and a member of the Dance Alliance since the 1980s. While flexing her toes, Fantauzzi looks down, as if imaging where her feet will take her in retirement. “I’m having the best run of my life. I’ve had an amazing career and feel like I’m ready and want to go out at the top of my game.” SS

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3 LOCAL FARMERS' MARKETS 1. Saratoga Farmers’ Market

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

2. Spa City Farmers Market A Year-Round Farmers' Market located in the Saratoga Spa State Park, Lincoln Baths 65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Sundays (Year Round) May- October: 10am-3pm

3. Greenfield Farmers’ Market

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

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The Search Continues WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOHN R. GREENWOOD

If you missed Part One of My Search for a Sign from Clem you can find it here (pg.144 in the Home & Garden issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine).

alter Clements aka “Clem” was a Saratoga sign painter who left a trail of hand painted signs all over the city from the 1930s through the end of the 1990s. “Clem” Signs was his hand-painted signature and could be found on every sign he painted. I became intrigued with Clem years ago and have been searching for his signs ever since. After posting a request on a Saratoga based Facebook page a few years ago, tips and clues began pouring in.

NY. There he discovered a Cocktail Lounge sign with the “Clem” Sign signature. He was told the sign came out of the Adelphi Hotel just prior to its renovation. I told him I had confirmation that Clem painted the As on the front doors of the Adelphi in the 1980s so I was quite certain the information he was given was accurate.

An email arrived from the West Village in NYC. It read:

She explained that she left Saratoga for California in 1979. She said in the years prior to that, Clem and her mother had been close and spent time together. Valerie enjoyed watching Clem at his craft and when she was older she would help by going on painting jobs with him. After she left for California they stayed in contact by exchanging letters. Valerie and I agreed that Clem wasn’t just a sign painter, he was an artist that never realized his creative dreams. I’m sure that’s why I’m so drawn to his story. A few days later I received some real treasures from Oakland. They came in the form of Valerie’s personal photographs of Clem. It had been twenty years since I last saw Clem, but the photographs brought him back to life instantly. They show Clem surrounded by

Greetings! I recently picked up a very cool wooden sign that has a “Clem” Signs signature on both sides. After trying to find some history online, I saw your post. Can you give me some info on “Clem”? Jeff DeCanio General Manager The Happiest Hour and Slowly Shirley I responded online within minutes and a few days later we spoke on the phone. It turns out Jeff was vacationing upstate when he wandered into “Ida’s Eye,” an antique shop in Hudson,

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My next “Clem” Sign came from Oakland, California. The trip took seconds in cyberspace but the excitement still lingers. The Facebook message came from Valerie Adinolphi, a native Saratogian.

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the tools of his trade. Thankfully, Valerie pointed out something I would have missed. The hat Clem was wearing has an artist’s palette hand-painted on it with the words “Clem” Signs on either side. Oh, would I love to have that hat today! My search for a sign from Clem slowed to a crawl until this spring when I reunited with an old friend. If you were familiar with Saratoga in the 1980s, then you will remember Mr. Ed’s on Broadway. Owner Ed Sakos was, and still is, a local legend. You didn’t crawl up Caroline St. after midnight without visiting Mr. Ed’s across the street. At that time, I owned Price’s Dairy and Ed was a customer. He always had a great story to share. He did, and still does, love to make people laugh. Recently he teased me by telling me he had a Clem story to share, but he wouldn’t tell it over the phone. Finally, I called and asked if I could come over to his farm on Schallehn Rd. to hear his Clem story. We set a date and before he hung up he dropped a bombshell on me. “I think I have a Clem Sign in the barn. When the cat on my lap wakes up I’ll go see if I can find it.” I apologized to Ed for my rude response, but I couldn’t hold back. “Ed, flip that cat off your lap and go find that sign!” Thirty minutes later a message popped up on my phone, “I think I see it. Come over this week and we’ll dig it out together.” It was like a family reunion when I finally got to sit down with Ed and his wife Mary Jane at their eclectic home at the city’s edge. Two minutes in and I had a demand. “Before we go dig out Clem, I need to hear this story you’ve been holding from me.” Ed proceeded to tell me that Clem was a regular at Mr. Ed’s and that he was always offering to paint a sign for him. Finally, they agreed on an A-frame type sign and a price. Weeks later Clem called to say he was done and would be there with the sign shortly. Clem didn’t drive so an hour later a taxi pulls up and Clem pulls the sign out of the back seat. He sets it up outside and hands Ed a handwritten invoice. At the bottom Ed sees Clem has added a delivery charge to the agreed price along with the word, ‘Taxi’. That was vintage Clem. The vision, and the simple story, were both worth the wait. Okay let’s go get that sign now! The loft of Ed’s barn was packed from top to bottom. Ed led me through a maze of dusty antiques, architectural salvage, and boxes filled with thing-a-ma-bobs and whatcha-ma-call-its. There in darkness of the far corner was an old sign leaning against the wall. I could barely see Clem-like lettering. My heart was racing like Ralphie in Christmas Story. Ed latched on to it and together we pulled it out from its decades-long resting place. Minutes later we were outside in the daylight with the Mr. Ed’s Hot Dog sign in all her glory. There in the bottom right hand corner was the Holy Grail of signatures— “Clem” Signs. I’m still grinning.

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preserving

You can enjoy the excitement of the annual Saratoga Sale this year on Monday, August 6 and Tuesday, August 7 and the New York Bred Yearlings on Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12.

SARATOGA

Fasig-Tipton:

©The George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga Springs History Museum

SOLD to the Highest Bidder!

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA BOSSHART PHOTOS PROVIDED

t may seem strange to see a large Mid-Century building on East Avenue juxtaposed among stables and residences that were clearly built long before it was constructed, but if you have the opportunity you should be sure to see the excitement that takes place there – the Fasig-Tipton Horse Sales. Fasig-Tipton, the oldest Thoroughbred auctioneers in North America, was founded in 1898 by William B. Fasig and Edward A. Tipton in Madison Square Gardens in New York City. Initially they sold high-class road and carriage horses in addition to Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. After World War I, FasigTipton opened an office in Saratoga Springs and started conducting annual yearling sales in August 1917. The initial sales took place at the 1902 Saddling Shed, known today as the Paddock Mutuel Building, at Saratoga Race Course. Some of the best thoroughbreds in history were sold at the Saddling Shed, including the great Man of War in 1918. In 1926, Fasig-Tipton purchased a 5.9-acre parcel of land on Fifth Avenue and built two stables and a bunkhouse, which still stand today. The stables were built in a style that was different from others at Saratoga Race Course. In 1939, the Saratoga Association, the entity operating the Saratoga Race Course, acquired the parcel, now known as the Oklahoma Annex. It is not noted when FasigTipton purchased land on East Avenue. However, that site had stables that were built in the same style as those on Fifth Avenue, 108 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

only rather than single-loaded they were double-loaded, as well as the pavilion that held 700 people. After nearly 50 years of horse sales in Saratoga Springs, Humphrey S. Finney, the chair of Fasig-Tipton, determined that Fasig-Tipton needed a state-of-the-art horse sales pavilion. Finney stated, “we had a second rate facility in Saratoga - where the first-rate material we were selling - outclassed the building.” The new air-conditioned building was dedicated on August 4, 1968 and was named the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion. It was designed by James G. McCullough who studied with I.M. Pei. James Kettlewell, author of “Saratoga Springs: An Architectural History,” described the building as “one of the finest examples of modern architecture in Saratoga Springs.” He noted its austere simplicity with its curved shape functionally adhering to the shape of the interior horseshoe-shaped auditorium that sat 1,000 people intimately with unobstructed views. Seven hundred could sit at the first level with 300 on the second, no seat more than 65’ from the horse ring. The unadorned exterior had a curving glass wall with simple round concrete columns on the first floor, that was slightly recessed below the second floor, which was clad in vertical cedar siding. The overhang allowed for the public to view the sales while being protected from inclement weather. The Pavilion was built to only be used 24-hours-a-year and at the cost of $400,000, the equivalent of nearly $3 million dollars today. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

An article in The Saratogian newspaper, noted that “The new pavilion is considered far ahead of anything of its kind in the world. This design represents the boldest step forward yet. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world. The new sales building in Newmarket, England may have cost a little more, but it is not nearly so revolutionary in concept. The entire building is designed to focus on the horse in the center of the ring.” In 2008, Fasig-Tipton proposed to make additions to allow for handicap accessibility, additional restrooms, and better interior circulation as well as changes to the primary facade of the pavilion. With input by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and the Design Review Commission, the final design maintained some of the original Mid-Century design. In 2009, Fasig-Tipton opened with not only the changes made to the exterior of the pavilion as you see it today, but also upgrades to the interior, including new seating. A new handsome timber-frame walking ring, covered horse entrance to the pavilion, and restroom building were constructed as well as new landscaping. Famous Kentucky Derby winners such as Funny Cide, Foolish Pleasure, Go For Gin, and Monarchos were sold at this location. In 1968, the highest bid on a horse was $225,000. In the recent past, horses have sold for $2 million. Who knows what this year will bring… On Sunday, July 15 at 10:30am, Georgia Horner will lead the Summer Sunday Stroll “Post Time!” that will explore the Saratoga Race Course area along Union and East Avenues featuring the

Reading Rooms, National Museum of Racing, Oklahoma Track, and Fasig-Tipton. Summer Sunday Strolls, highlighting different areas of Saratoga Springs, are held until Labor Day. For more information, please call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at (518) 587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org. SS Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. To learn more or to join, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.

A rider taking a leisurely ride on the practice track.

©Samantha Bosshart

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MEET...

SHARON LOMBARDI WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER

f you want to get to know Sharon Lombardi, just ask her about her student’s artwork. Her enthusiasm is so seductive that their subsequent success comes as no surprise.

“Doing art is working with your hands and learning. The learning in art is so deep that it’s something you’ll never forget,” said Lombardi. A BRILLIANT BEGINNING Lombardi’s first experiences teaching art were while growing up and doing crafts with the younger members of her large Italian family. Lombardi earned her Master’s degree in Art Education from the College of Saint Rose and has been a practicing artist for 30 years. She worked with the American Diamond Exchange in Connecticut and earned a living melding unique gold and copper jewelry in the 1980s. It is a craft that she does now on a smaller scale when she finds a material that particularly inspires her, like with the French glass and horn earrings she wears as we chat in her downtown studio, or the salmon-colored vintage Miriam Haskell dimpled baroque beads she plans to use next. “I’m interested in the form and the way it relates to the body. It has to fit and look good. If it’s not a beautiful form, why make it?” said Lombardi.

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LIVING HER BELIEFS In 1994, Lombardi began working as a substitute teacher in the area and in 1996 co-founded the Odyssey School for Fine Arts, where private and group art classes are offered. Their list of public art projects include the “Stories, Legends and Tales” mosaic step risers on the Putnam Street side entrance to the Saratoga Springs Public Library and other well-known community art murals and mosaics in the region. Believing that art is for everyone, Lombardi offers private and classroom lessons to diverse groups, many who often have special needs. “If you want to do something, start talking about it. I wanted to work with Veterans and I did with the Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection in Ballston Spa. They loved it and I loved them,” said Lombardi.

Whether selling or buying your home, Let my 30+ years of experience help you.

She taught preschoolers printmaking at Community Roots School, mask-making at Saratoga Bridges, and leads drawing and painting classes at Living Resources Arts, 70 Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs. Working with author Jolene Archambault, the students are creating illustrations for a book about a mother horse and her foal entitled, Yes, I Can Ride the Winds of Saratoga Springs.

Frances (Fran) Ryan

“The individuals I work with are very courageous, willing to grow and try new things,” said Lombardi. Demonstrating her philosophy to make artistic pursuits accessible to all, Lombardi designed and created a one-of-a-kind piece of adaptive equipment to enable a paraplegic student to paint with his mouth. For another student without use of his hand, she formed a brass and copper cuff for him to use as a slide to play guitar.

Real Estate Salesperson

RoohanRealty.com

518.207.7088 | fryan@roohanrealty.com 519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4500

In the future, Lombardi will continue to accept commissioned work and is looking forward to developing year round workshops for children, Veterans and people ages 8 to 80 at The Studio: Greenfield’s Performing and Visual Arts Center. Just talking about it, her energy is tangible and her face lights up so brilliantly that you can’t imagine anything pleasing her more – that is, until you see her with her adorable white Maltese, Lulu. “I’ve crafted my life!” said Lombardi with a smile.

To contact Sharon, email slombardi55@hotmail.com.

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Favorite Spots FROM THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW!

(other than the track!)

There is so much 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 - Saratoga.org.

CRUISE-INS + ICE CREAM Find your favorite local ice cream parlor (there are many!) and enjoy frequently.

PICK-YOUR-OWN-FRUIT

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Congress Park July 17 - July 28: 6pm, July 31 - August 4: 6pm Donations appreciated. SaratogaShakespeare.com

Ariel’s Farm 194 Northern Pines Rd., Wilton (518) 584-2189

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! For more information see pages 156 and 159.

Hand Melon Market 533 Wilbur Ave. Greenwich (518) 692-2376

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

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

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BREAKFAST AT THE TRACK Yes, you pay to park, but if you leave by 10 a.m. you get a refund. So enjoy the buffet (or bring your own), sip your coffee in a private box, watch the horses work out and enjoy the misty morning like royalty.

Blackburn Portrait Designs

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 Painted Pony 703 Howe Rd. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 www.paintedponyrodeo.com

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Gather your friends and family, bring your blankets and chairs, find a spot on the lawn and enjoy some of our areas favorite performers. This FREE Saratoga Summer Concert Series is a program of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center in cooperation with the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau and the City of Saratoga Springs. Shows begin at 7:00pm at the War Memorial in beautiful Congress Park and each concert will be approximately 90 minutes. The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, at 297 Broadway, will be the concert rain location. Scheduled performances: 7/8

Hot Club of Saratoga

7/15

Betsy and the ByeGons

7/22

Marc Berger and RIDE

7/29

Skippy & the Pistons

8/7

Fenimore Blues

8/14

Sonny & Perley

8/21

Garland Nelson

8/28

Cryin’ Out Loud

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The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center would like to thank our many sponsors for helping to make this series possible, with special thanks to Ben and Jerry’s Saratoga Springs, The Adirondack Trust Company, Stewart’s Shops, Saratoga Builders Association, Clements Insurance, Witt Construction, Embassy Suites, Four Seasons Natural Foods, and Massage Delivered.

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

WALKING TOURS The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center offers the “History, Legend and Lore” tour, a popular 90 minute stroll through Congress Park highlighting the history and personalities that have made Saratoga Springs the city that it is today.

October. 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.

The tours run Monday through Saturday in July and August, and Saturdays in September and

Tickets are $8.00. Children under 12 years are free. Please call (518) 587-3241.

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

Victoria Pool Panorama Photo provided by nysparks.state.ny.us

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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's All-American Celebration July 3 & 4 Saratoga County Fair July 24 - 29 SaratogaCountyFair.org (518) 885-9701 Altamont Fair August 14 - 19 AltamontFair.com (518) 861-6671 Washington County Fair August 20 - 26 WashingtonCountyFair.com (518) 692- 2464 Schaghiticoke Fair August29 - September 3 SchaghticokeFair.com (518) 753-4411

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.

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Have Kids?

AT-A-GLANCE

Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

AT-A-GLANCE Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms?

☑ ☐ ☑

PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

WEST SIDE RECREATION

152 BEEKMAN STREET, SARATOGA SPRINGS

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

C O N G R E S S PA R K

DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS

Congress Park is a gorgeous and historic park in the middle of downtown Saratoga. With duck ponds, grassy meadows, historic landmarks and a wooden carousel, Congress Park is a great meeting place, picnic spot, or people-watching destination. In July and August, Congress Park is home to live music concerts, arts and crafts festivals, and other special events. PLAN IT! Pack a picnic blanket from home and pick up lunch at one of your favorite downtown Saratoga lunch spots. Enjoy an afternoon picnicking in the park!

AT-A-GLANCE

Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

EAST SIDE RECREATION CORNER OF LAKE AVE AND GRANGER AVE, SARATOGA SPRINGS

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

AT-A-GLANCE

Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms? Sprinkler Park?

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

G AV I N P A R K 10 LEWIS ROAD, WILTON

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

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SUZANNE'S PLAYGROUND AT-A-GLANCE Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms?

WOODTHRUSH COURT, MILTON

☑ ☑ ☑

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

KELLEY PARK/ KIDS' CREEKSIDE VILLAGE RALPH STREET, BALLSTON SPA

AT-A-GLANCE Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms?

☑ ☑ ☑

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

BURGESS-KIMBALL MEMORIAL PARK AT-A-GLANCE Stroller-friendly? Infant Swings? Bathrooms?

384 ROWLAND STREET, BALLSTON SPA

☑ ☑ ☑

The reconstructed "all-inclusive" playground features ADA swings, sensory panels, transfer platforms for children with mobility issues, and rubber surfacing tiles for the safety of all children. There are also special ramps for wheelchairs and one swing that holds a wheelchair. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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SARATOGA TODAY’S

DINING GUIDE

Boca Bistro Photo by SaratogaPhotographer.com

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BREAKFAST, BRUNCH & BAKERIES R Denotes outdoor seating.

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

Berkshire Mountain Bakery Saratoga 422 Broadway, Suite 2, Saratoga | (518) 587-2191

Beverly’s Eatery

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

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

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

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

Denny’s

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

Diamond Club Grill

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

Farmers Hardware

35 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 934-3444 FarmersHardwareSaratoga.com

Friendly’s

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

Golden Corral

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

Hattie’s Chicken Shack R

(Weekend Brunch) 45 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4790 | HattiesRestaurant.com

Hungry Spot Café

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

Izzy Bella’s Foodz Restaurant & Market 666 Saratoga Rd. Wilton | (518) 430-2626

The Iron Roost R

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

Kaffee House

120 West Avenue, Saratoga (518) 729-8480 KaffeeHouseSaratoga.com

The Kettle

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

Kru Coffee

46 Marion Avenue, Saratoga (518) 444-4158 | KruCoffee.com

Lakeside Farms & Cider Mill

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

The Local Pub and Teahouse (Weekend Brunch)

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

Malta Diner

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

Mama Mia’s Bakery and Pizza

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

Mrs. London’s Bakery 464 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 581-8100 MrsLondonsBakery.com

Panera Bread R

3070 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 226-0095

PRIME at Saratoga National R

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

Ravenous Café

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

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

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Bakery

176 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-6565

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

Scotty’s Restaurant

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

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

Thirsty Owl R

(Sunday) 184 S Broadway, Saratoga | (518) 587-9694 Thirsty-Owl-Outlet-WineGarden.Myshopify.com

Triangle Diner

400 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-6368

Russell’s Deli

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

Sweeney's R 70 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-5169

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

Uptown Cafe

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

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

SPoT Coffee R

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

Sweet Mimi’s Café and Bakery

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

TC Paris

30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-0126 | TCbakery.com

Farmers Hardware Photo by Blackburn Portrait Design

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Lake Local Photo by Alice Corey

FAMILY FRIENDLY & CASUAL DINING R Denotes outdoor seating.

Andy’s Adirondack Grille

Dock Brown’s R

2872 US 9, Malta (518) 580-1269 TheOriginalBentleys.com

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

Bailey’s Café R

Farmer’s Daughter R

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

Berkshire Mountain Bakery Saratoga

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

The Brickyard Tavern R

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

Carson’s Woodside Tavern R

57 State Route 9P, Malta (518) 584-9791 CarsonsWoodside.com

Catherine’s in the Park R

58 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga | (518) 583-4657 SaratogaSpaGolf.com *Seasonal, poolside dining 11 a.m. to dusk.

Clark’s Steakhouse

Schuyler Yacht Basin, Schuylerville | (518) 695-2073 ClarksSteakhouse.com

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

Four Seasons Natural Foods R

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

Ravenous Café (Creperie)

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

Ripe Tomato R

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

Saratoga Juice Bar R

Greenhouse Chopped Salad Co.

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

Harvest & Hearth R

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

33 Railroad Place, Saratoga (518) 540-1036 EatGreenHouse.com 251 B County Route 67, Saratoga | (518) 587-1900 HarvestAndHearth.com

Izzy Bella’s Foodz Restaurant & Market

666 Saratoga Rd. Wilton | (518) 430-2626

Lake Local R

Closed due to fire, but re-opening soon. LakeLocalSaratoga.com

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Lakeside Farms & Cider Mill R

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

Scallion’s Restaurant R

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

Winslow’s R

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

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DELI, PIZZA & CHINESE TAKE-OUT R Denotes outdoor seating.

Deli

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

Eddie F's Eatery

119 Clinton Street, Saratoga | (518) 450-7830

Healthy Living Market & Cafe 3065 Route 50, Saratoga (518) 306-4900 HealthyLivingMarket.com/Saratoga

Hungry Spot Café

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

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

Roma Foods & Market

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

Russell’s Deli R

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

Pizza

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

Amore Pizza

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

Augie's To-Go

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

BWP R

70 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga 763-2975 or 763-2323 | BeerWinePizza.com

D’Andrea’s Pizza

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

Gennarro's Pizza

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

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

Pizza Works

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

Pope’s Pizza

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

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

Village Pizzeria R

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

Villago R

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

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

Chinese Take-out

Mama Mia’s Pizza

Char Koon

42 Park Place, Saratoga (518) 584-1000 Saratoga5Points.com

Marino’s Pizza

Uncle Ming’s Chinese Kitchen

Spring Street Deli and Pizzeria R

Pizza 7

Saratoga 5 Points Market & Deli

132 Spring Street, Saratoga (518) 584-0994 | SpringStreetDeli.net

Sweet Lou's

161 Broad Street, Schuylerville (518) 507-6013

185 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga | (518) 583-7783 MamaMiasSaratoga.com 46 West Circular Street, Saratoga | (518) 584-3030 7 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 580-2000 SaratogaPizza7.com

Pizza Nook

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

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

74 Henry Street, Saratoga (518) 584-5558

Sunny Wok

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

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out

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

Photo provided by 9 Miles East

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SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS R Denotes outdoor seating.

American Bookmakers at Holiday Inn R

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

Brook Tavern R

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

Cock ‘n’ Bull

5342 Parkis Mills Road, Galway | (518) 882-6962 TheCocknBull.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse

342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga (518) 682-5999 Mortons.com

Asian, Fusion & Chinese Bua Thai Sushi R

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

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

Izumi Asian Bistro R

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

Kraverie

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

Lucky Peking Chinese Buffet & Take out 66 E Congress Street, Saratoga | (518) 584-8371

Osaka Sushi House

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

Phila Fusion

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

Sam’s Chinese Restaurant

The Inn at Saratoga

231 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-1890 824 NY 50, Burnt Hills (518) 384-1997 | SamsChinese.wixsite. TheInnAtSaratoga.com com/SamsChinese Jacob & Anthony’s

Sinclair Saratoga

17 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 934-3535 SinclairSaratoga.com

Sushi Thai Garden

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

Wasabi Restaurant & Bar

American Grill R

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

Lake Ridge

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

Longfellows

Thirsty Owl R

184 S Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-9694

Wine Bar R

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

The Wishing Well

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

French

Mouzon House R

63 Putnam St., Saratoga (518) 450-1092

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

Farm to Table

Max London’s Restaurant R

Chez Pierre Restaurant

Olde Bryan Inn R

Indian

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

Next Door Kitchen and Bar

51 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 309-3249 EatDinnerNextDoor.com

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

Fine Dining

15 Church Restaurant

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

The Blue Hen

365 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 203-2000 BlueHenRestaurant.com

Boca Bistro R 384 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 682-2800 BocaBistro.com Diamond Club Grill

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

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466 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-0505 MaxLondonsResturaunt.com 123 Maple Avenue, Saratoga | (518) 587-2990 OldeBryanInn.com

Morrissey's

365 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 529-5500

1 York Street, Saratoga (518) 226-0014 | MouzonHouse.com 979 Route 9, Gansevoort (518) 793-3350 ChezPierreRestaurant.com

Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India

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

Little India Prime @ Saratoga National R 60 Court Street, Saratoga 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga (518) 583-4653 GolfSaratoga.com/Dining

Putnam's Restaurant – Gideon Putnam Resort 24 Gideon Putnam Road, Saratoga | (518) 226-4125 GideonPutnam.com

R&R Kitchen & Bar

(518) 583-4151 SaratogaLittleIndiaRestaurant.com

Irish

Harvey’s Irish Restaurant & Bar R

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

Parting Glass R 43 Phila Street, Saratoga 40-42 Lake Avenue, (518) 581-0777 | RRkitchenAndBar.com Saratoga | (518) 583-1916 PartingGlassPub.com Salt & Char R 353 Broadway, Saratoga Italian (518) 450-7500 | SaltAndChar.com Siro’s (Seasonal) R

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

Sperry’s R

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

Augie’s Restaurant R

17 Low Street, Ballston Spa (518) 884-8600 | AugiesRestaurant.com

Boca Bistro R

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

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Panza's Restaurant Photo by SaratogaPhotographer.com

R Denotes outdoor seating.

Bellini Italian Eatery R 19 Clifton Country Road,

Clifton Park (518) 348-2090 | Marrellorc.com

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

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

Mama Mia’s Pizza

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

Mangino’s

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

Nove´ R

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

Osteria Danny R 26 Henry Street (518) 423-7022 OsteriaDanny.com

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

Pennell’s Restaurant 284 Jefferson Street, Saratoga | (518) 583-2423 PennellsRestaurant.com

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

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

Villago R

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

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SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS CONT.. Mexican

Amigo’s Cantina

Cantina R

Esperanto

Mexican Connection R

Blue Agave R

El Mexicano R

Leon’s Restaurant R

Sunset Café

42 Ferry Street, Schuylerville (518) 695-9595 AmigosCantina.net 135 Crescent Street, Saratoga | (518) 886-9534 BlueAgaveToga.com

430 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 587-5577 CantinaSaratoga.com 208 South Broadway, Saratoga | (518) 226-0105 ElMexicanoRestaurant.com

4 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-4236 EsperantoSaratoga.com 2100 Doubleday Avenue, Ballston Spa (518) 490-2058 LeonsMexicanRestaurant.com

41 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga (518) 584-4466 MexConx.com 42 Front Street, Ballston Spa (518) 885-8550

Seafood

Eddie F's Eatery 119 Clinton Street, Saratoga (518) 450-7830

Fish at 30 Lake R

30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga (518) 539-3474 FishAt30Lake.com

Southern/BBQ Dizzy Chicken Wood Fired Rotisserie 102 Congress Street, Saratoga | (518) 583-4099 DizzyChickenRotisserie.com

Hattie’s Chicken Shack R 45 Phila Street, Saratoga (518) 584-4790 3057 Route 50 Wilton Plaza, Saratoga | (518) 226-0000 HattiesRestaurant.com

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

PJ’s BAR-B-QSA R

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

Vegetarian

Four Seasons Natural Foods Cafe R

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

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

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PUBS & SPORTS BARS R Denotes outdoor seating.

Pubs

Dunning Street Station

2 West Bar and Grille R

2853 State Route 9, Malta (518) 587-2000 DunningStreetStation.com

9 Maple Avenue

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

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

9 Maple Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-7759 | 9MapleAve.com

13 North R 2955 Route 9, Malta (518) 400-1746 13NorthRestaurant.com Almost Saratoga R

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

The Barrelhouse R 68 Beekman Street, Saratoga | (518) 871-1502 BarrelhouseSaratoga.com

Bentley’s Tavern R 4 Hemphill Place, Malta (518) 899-4300 MyFavoriteTaverns.com Braeburn Tavern

390 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 430-2002 BraeburnSaratoga.com

Brickyard Tavern R

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

BWP R 70 Weibel Avenue, Saratoga (518) 763-2975 | (518) 763-2323 BeerWinePizza.com Druther’s R

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

Fortunes

Gaffney’s R

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

Hamlet & Ghost Cocktail Bar

Parting Glass R 40-42 Lake Avenue, Saratoga | (518) 583-1916 PartingGlassPub.com Pint Sized

489 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 583-7468 WeArePintSized.com

Publik House Pub

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

Racing City Brewing Co.

24 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 450-7287 HamletAndGhost.com

250 Excelsior Avenue, Saratoga | (518) 886-1271 OliviaVineyards.com/ RacingCityBrewing

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

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

Harvey’s Resturaunt & Bar Spa City Tap & Barrel

Henry Street Taproom

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

Henry’s Tavern R 19 Front Street, Ballston (518) 309-3584 HenryIrishTavern.com Horseshoe Inn R 1 Gridley Avenue, Saratoga (518) 587-4909 TheHorseshoeInn.com King’s Tavern R 241 Union Avenue (518) 581-7090 Merry Monk

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

The Factory Eatery R

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

The Local Pub & Teahouse R

142 Grand Avenue, Saratoga | (518) 587-7256 TheLocalPubAndTeahouse.com

The Side Room Bar & Cocktail Parlor

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

Sports Bars Dango’s Fitzgerald Irish Steak R

38 Caroline Street, Saratoga (518) 587-2022

End Zone R 227 Park Avenue, Mechanicville | (518) 664-0063 TheEndzoneSportsPub.com End Zone Sports Pub

32 Ballston Avenue (518) 584-6460

Peabody’s Sports Bar & Grille R

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

Saratoga Stadium R 389 Broadway, Saratoga (518) 226-4437 SaratogaStadium.com West Side Sports Bar & Grill R 112 Congress Street,

The Mill on Round Lake R Saratoga | (518) 691-0193

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

The Rusty Nail

171 Route 9, Clifton Park (518) 371-9871 MyFavoriteTaverns.com

TheWestSideSportsBar.com

Buffet

Garden Buffet – Saratoga Casino Hotel

342 Jefferson Street, Saratoga | (518) 581-5707 SaratogaGaming.com

Photo by SaratogaPhotographer.com

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FARMER'S DAUGHTERS'...

a family affair WRITTEN BY MEGAN HARRINGTON PHOTOS PROVIDED

s the weather warms up, the Farmer’s Daughters’ DriveIn, just east of Saratoga Springs, becomes one of the coolest places to be – literally! No matter how high the temperature soars, the cones and sundaes served up at Annette Osher’s business are sure to be refreshing. Annette is no stranger to the food industry; in addition to The Farmer's Daughters' Drive-In, she also owns Distinctive Catering. Annette bought the popular Saratoga ice cream spot a decade ago, but she’s been in the catering industry for nearly 30 years. Distinctive Catering offers on-site and off-site catering for weddings as well as corporate, union, and political events from Hudson all the way up to Lake George. Distinctive Catering’s home base is in Waterford, NY where Annette serves as the main caterer for Duke’s Grove event venue. With a booming catering business and a busy summer ice cream shack, Annette doesn’t have a ton of free time, but she does have the help and support of her family. Annette raised her three sons as a single mom and she says, “I bought Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-in so that I could spend time with my kids and watch over them. The idea was that they could make some money and learn about business at the same time.” Annette’s eldest son Billy is 27, but he’s been working at Farmer’s Daughters’ since he was 14. And now he also helps his mom out with the catering business. She says, “Wherever I end up, Billy is by my side.” Taylor, age 24, has also worked at the family business since a teen, but he’s currently taken a step back to focus on applying to medical school. Annette’s youngest son, Ryan, is only 14, but he’s already begun logging hours behind the counter of the drive-in.

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The Farmer’s Daughters’ Drive-in was built back in the 1960s and Annette says they still try to run the business the old fashioned way. “The meat for our burgers is freshly ground, we cut and bread our fish in-house, and we churn all the ice cream ourselves,” she says. Annette continues, “People have memories of bringing their kids here when they were small; the drive-in is a very important piece of nostalgia.” While the drive-in is over half a century old, Annette strives to make upgrades every year. In addition to a new pavilion and a new sign, one of the most recent additions is a mobile ice cream cart to take across the road to Schuyler Park. Annette explains, “We just received the approval to bring the cart over to the park on Saturdays. Now the kids will be able to enjoy a treat without crossing busy Route 29.” Annette’s dream of turning Farmer’s Daughters’ into a true family business is finally coming together. She says, “Although Farmer’s Daughters’ is my life and the place that I enjoy the most, I’ve taught my son to run the business. I hope that one day he’ll take over – the customers love him as much as they love me!” Billy’s role in the business has been particularly crucial lately as Annette is recovering from an intense surgery. She says, “I recently donated 69 percent of liver to my brother and it really took me awhile to come back.” Fortunately, Billy was ready and able to step in and fill his mom’s shoes. Annette says, “Billy left a good job in Miami to come home and help out with the business. He’s really made some sacrifices and I couldn’t have done it without him.” The next time you’re craving an old-fashioned burger or an ice cream cone, head east on Route 29 for a taste of summer nostalgia. The Osher Family will be waiting for you! SS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 131

Don't Leave Town without these!

ARTISANAL SOAP

Artisanal bath products and hand crafted soaps using our locally sourced Saratoga Springs mineral waters. LATHER BAR 487 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.584.1450 www.LatherBar.com

INK+ALLOY

These glass bead pieces are eye-catching and on- trend for this summer’s “statement” jewelry moment! SILVERWOOD 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

518.583.3600 www.SilverwoodGalleries.com

THE DARK HORSE DINER MUG

Fun colored Dark Horse Logo mugs come in Mint, Gray, Blue and Yellow. $14.99 THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE 445 Broadway Downtown Sratoga 518-587-0689 www.DarkHorseSaratoga.com

A selection of fine goods from

TOGA HERITAGE Price range $5 to $98

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398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs www.TogaHeritage.com

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PENDANT OR CHARM

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

PRORASO

Setting trends in the shaving world for three generation. MENGES AND CURTIS 472 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-306-5343 www.MengesAndCurtis.com

FLORAL BAGS

Summer florals in every shape! From clutches to large tote bags, accessorize with prints! ALEXIS AIDA BOUTIQUE 437 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.450.1130 www.AlexisAidaBoutique.com

SARATOGA INSPIRED

Saratoga inspired gifts, from cartography to coasters, and everything in between. HOMESSENCE 439 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.306.6445 www.HomessenceStore.com

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Don't Leave Town

without these! NEW CUSTOM TRACK SIGNS handmade locally $32.95

THE DARK HORSE CHARTER CAP

Comfortable and breathable this hat is water resistant, always a smart bet! $26.99

CRAFTERS GALLERY 427 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-583-2435 www.CraftersGallerySaratoga.com

THE DARK HORSE MERCANTILE 445 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518-587-0689 www.DarkHorseSaratoga.com

BOUR-BON APPETIT!

This gift aims to please the bourbon lover in your life, from snack time to meal ingredients to dessert accompaniments. Recipe cards add barrels of culinary inspiration. THE SAVORY PANTRY 486 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.450.1130 www.SavoryPantry.com

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GRILLO'S AROMATICS

An aromatherapy blend designed for a restful sleep is nestled in the center of the pillow… fairy tale included. And don't forget our outdoor fragrances, to repel against those pesky summer insects. MENGES AND CURTIS 472 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-306-5343 MengesAndCurtis.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

CLASSIC SARATOGA APPLIQUE HOODIE

Available in Oatmeal and Navy this hoodie is always popular with its classic heavy weight and collegiate design. $49.99 IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-587-0666 ImpressionsSaratoga.com

VINTAGE INDUSTRIAL FAN LIGHT Designed and built by Boho Chic Boutique. 4 Edison Light Bulbs with Dimmable Switch, Metal Fan Circa 1940s, 6 Foot Cord. $245 BOHO CHIC BOUTIQUE, LLC. 90 Front Street Ballston Spa 518-885-1546 www.BohoChicny.com

2018 LIMITED EDITION CLOISONNE ORNAMENT Hand painted featuring landmarks from the Congress Park, the second of series. $49.99 IMPRESSIONS OF SARATOGA 368 Broadway Downtown Saratoga 518-587-0666 ImpressionsSaratoga.com

Representing your best interests in Real Estate! It is the personal service that makes the difference!

Tara Garrett

Real Estate Salesperson

RoohanRealty.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

518.596.8307 | tgarrett@roohanrealty.com 519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4500

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Don't Leave Town

without these!

REWINED

For that ‘Rewined State of Mind’ check out these beautifully designed and essential products HOMESSENCE 439 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.306.6445 www.HomessenceStore.com

WELCOME PACKAGE The perfect ‘Welcome’ package for friends and family.

THE SAVORY PANTRY 486 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga 518.450.1130 www.SavoryPantry.com

LUCKY'S ADVENTURE IN SARATOGA Hardcover children's picture book, $17.99 Inspired by the true story of a dog who was lost in Saratoga.

Lucky visits many historic spots in Saratoga as she travels through town in search of her mommy and meets new animal friends who help her along the way. BY LOCAL AUTHOR ELIZABETH MACY Visit www.LuckysAdventures.net to purchase online or for local locations.

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Representing your best interests in Real Estate! SHOE BAG

This fun raffia tote bag is perfect for those Summer days at the beach! ALEXIS AIDA BOUTIQUE 437 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 518.450.1130 www.AlexisAidaBoutique.com

It is the personal service that makes the difference!

Teresa Gardner

Real Estate Salesperson

RoohanRealty.com

Silverwood's “Saratoga” serving boards are in-stock in several styles OR can be totally customized for any person or occasion.

It is the personal service that makes the difference!

518.583.3600 www.SilverwoodGalleries.com

Oliver Aldrich

Real Estate Salesperson

RoohanRealty.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4500

Representing your best interests in Real Estate!

SERVING BOARDS

SILVERWOOD 398 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

518.796.7629 | teresa@roohanrealty.com

518.421.2502 | oaldrich@roohanrealty.com 519 Broadway | Saratoga Springs | 518.587.4500

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JUNE - S EPTEM B ER

SAVE the

Date COMPOSED BY ARTHUR BOYER

JUNE 29-JULY 15 OPERA SARATOGA The Spa Little Theater, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs THE 2018 Opera Saratoga Summer Festival www.OperaSaratoga.org (518) 584-6018

SPAC – PAGE 47 NYRA – PAGE 22 SARATOGA POLO – PAGE 69 GALA GUIDE – PAGE 75 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES – PAGE 112

JULY 3 SARATOGA’S ALL-AMERICAN CELEBRATION Downtown Saratoga Free Admission JULY 3 DAVE LIEBMAN QUINTET Arthur Zankel Music Center, 8pm $8 Adults, $5 seniors / Free for students and children JULY 4 FIRECRACKER ROAD RACE Saratoga Springs City Center, 9:00amRun through the streets of Saratoga, awards, prizes, vendors.For more info visit firecracker4.com JULY 7 WGNA COUNTRYFEST 2018 SPAC, 3:30 pm JULY 8 WILTON PARKFEST Gavin Park, Wilton, NY Free Admission Bennie & The Jets, petting zoo, Bryson Lang Comedy Juggling, F&F Pig Racing, Rock Wall Climbing, Custom & Classic Car Show

Photo from the Soroptimist Secret Garden Tour saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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JUNE - S EPTEM B ER

SAVE the JULY 8

Date

SOROPTIMIST SECRET GARDENS TOUR 11:00 am to 5:00 pm The 24th annual tour presented by Soroptimist of Saratoga County features an eclectic mix of 11 private gardens in and around Saratoga Springs. From homes on North Broadway, to a cluster of in-city yards, to a handful of suburban secrets, the gardens are a mix of styles and sizes, in both sun and shade, sure to inspire garden lovers of every level. www.SoroptimistSaratoga.org or (518) 581-1201 ext. 4184

JULY 19

JULY 12

JULY 20

UPBEAT ON THE ROOF WITH DECODA Tang Teaching Museum, 7pm A New York City based chamber ensemble comprised of wonderful musicians, entrepreneurs and passionate advocates for the arts. Free and open to public JULY 14 THIRD ANNUAL CHIP FESTIVAL Saratoga Springs City Center 9:00 am-6:00 pm Celebrating the potato chip in its birthplace. Chip varieties and brands from across the country, plus dips and salsas. JULY 17-JULY 28 SARATOGA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: AS YOU LIKE IT Alfred Z. Solomon Stage (Congress Park), Saratoga Springs Free Admission) saratogashakespear.com JULY 14 UPBEAT ON THE ROOF Tang Teaching Museum, 5pm Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra (12-piece band!!) that brings energetic beats and percussion heavy music. Free and open to public

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UPBEAT ON THE ROOF WITH HEARD Tang Teaching Museum, 7pm A musical group that combines jazz, classical, and global instruments to form a unique sound. OPENING DAY! SARATOGA RACE COURSE www.saratogaracetrack.com www.nyra.com JULY 31 - AUGUST 4 SARATOGA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: HENRY IV AUGUST 4 - AUGUST 5 BALLSTON SPA FILM FESTIVAL Ballston Spa, NY 10th Annual International Short Film Festival. An array of family friendly short films from around the world and local filmmakers. Free Admission SCHUYLERVILLE’S 24TH ANNUAL TURNING POINT PARADE & FESTIVAL 1:00 pm www.TurningPointParade.com for parade route and other festival activities. AUGUST 25 Travers day at Saratoga Race Course, 7:00am The most popular day during the entire Saratoga summer racing meet. It is a Grade 1, $1,250,000 race for three-year-old horses SEPTEMBER 3 Closing Day at the Track

Photo By John Seymour saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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JUNE - S EPTEM B ER

SAVE the

Date

SEPTEMBER 7 - SEPTEMBER 9

2018 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

SARATOGA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL SPAC, 12:00pm Three days of gourmet events showcasing fine international wines, innovative chef prepared menus, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars and tastings, upscale auctions and a luxury car show. For more info visit spac.org

The Summer Concert Series is a program of the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center. All concerts are FREE and open to the public and occur during the months of July and August. The July concerts are on Sundays and the August concerts are on Tuesdays. Performances take place from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the War Memorial in Congress Park. Rain location: Heritage Area Visitor Center.

SEPTEMBER 22 ART IN THE PARK, Historic Congress Park, 10am-4pm Fine art show and sale with artists from the greater Saratoga and Capital regions. Local music, food, Kidz Art Zone.

For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-587-3241 or see page 112 for their schedule

Photo By John Seymour

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SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS Local author reflects on SARATOGA LIFE photo byJim Gupta-Carlson

WRITTEN BY HIMANEE GUPTA-CARLSON

Book cover designed by Megan McCausland

ne gift I’ll remember from 2018 is publication of my book Muncie, India(na): Middletown and Asian America. The book is based on research I began in 2003 on the small South Asian American community in which I grew up. That community was made up of immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who settled in Muncie, Indiana, beginning in 1966, and their children. I was one of those children; my parents were among the first of these immigrants to make Muncie their home.

I moved to Saratoga in 2010 to join Empire State College’s faculty. In my first months here, I fell in love with the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, Broadway, and the many natural springs. I bought a 1840s farmhouse in Greenfield and began helping my husband convert our backyard to a farm. I had lived all over the U.S. but was fairly sure Saratoga would become home. Saratoga is my home. But home is not always peaceful; it’s often fraught with conflicted thoughts, high emotions, and strife – which Muncie, India(na) and my life in Saratoga show. I have been praised for my writing, coordination of the Franklin Community Center’s food pantry garden, and involvement with the Saratoga and Greenfield farmers’ markets. I also have been called “the brown girl,” been racially profiled, and ignored at times. I have open-minded and open-hearted friends here – and have met some bad eggs.

Muncie is famous for its reputation of representing “typical America.” It was studied in the 1920s by Robert S. Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd, and their book, Middletown: A Study in American Culture, became a best-seller. The popularity of this book indelibly inscribed the small-town Muncie life the Lynds portrayed upon America as a whole.

An underlying theme in Muncie, India(na) is affect – felt knowledge. I use affect to analyze feelings of anger and humiliation that come from being treated with disrespect, as undeserving or less than equal. The goal is to bridge differences through shared conversations about racism and religious tensions. My book lets me help create such conversations.

Their typical America, however, was flawed. It ignored a resilient African American community that had been part of Muncie since the early 19th century as well as America’s strong multi-ethnic immigrant fabric. It also ignored the tribal groups that were displaced in opening Indiana up to white settlement. I challenge this portrayal of typicality through interviews, historic research, and memories of growing up brown, Indian, and Hindu in Muncie.

When I arrived in Saratoga, Muncie, India(na) was a sketchy draft. I read that draft. I saw what it held and what it needed. I added, subtracted, wrote, and rewrote through two hurricanes, two presidential elections, births and deaths among my friends and their families, growth in our local food and farming scene, and numerous snowstorms. This experience makes it a book about Muncie and a book of Saratoga – a gift to share. SS

Often, I am asked: How was my life in Muncie like my life in Saratoga? How might Muncie, India(na) help others understand racial and religious differences in their own towns?

Muncie, India(na) is available at Northshire Books. To arrange for an author reading, contact Himanee.Gupta-Carlson@esc.edu.

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Photos by Pattie Garrett

Saratoga in Bloom: 150 Years of Glorious Gardens by Janet Loughrey $19.95 Saratoga Springs is colorful not only culturally and historically, but also literally. Come spring and summer, the historic resort town is filled with lush plantings in the public parks, around private homes from the grandest to the most modest, at the Saratoga Race Course grounds and the Skidmore College campus, and even throughout the business district along Broadway. 150 Years of Racing in Saratoga: Little Known Stories & Facts from America's Most Historic Racing City by Allan Carter & Mike Kane $19.99 Since the inaugural meeting was held in August 1863, Saratoga Springs has been the scene of memorable races, often featuring legends of the sport. Although some of the epic moments are still familiar today, such as Upset's defeat of Man o' War in the 1919 Sanford Memorial, many of the triumphs and defeats that were once famous have been forgotten. The Dark Side of Town by Sasscer Hill $26.99 Note: the author will be at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga for a reading and signing on Tuesday, August 7 at 6 pm

Volunteering at the Franklin Community Center’s food pantry garden

Hill's exciting series of racecourse mysteries comes to Saratoga in this fascinating new novel. Fia McKee, now officially employed by the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TPRB), is sent undercover to Saratoga Racetrack to investigate Mars Pizutti, a racehorse trainer whose horses' wins are suspiciously lucky--and lucrative. Fia's bosses believe Pizutti's success is based on illegal drugs and deceitful methods, and they want Fia to work inside his barn to ferret out the truth. A Moose In My Stable by Vicki Addesso Dodd, illustrated by Patrick Jankowski $12.99 Inspired by the true story of a Moose finding its way onto the Saratoga Springs Race Course in June of 2009, "A Moose in my Stable" is a playful story about a Moose wandering onto a farm at the Saratoga Racetrack and finding it so inviting that he wanted to live there.

The Fall of the House of Walworth: A Tale of Madness and Murder in Gilded Age America by Geoffrey O'Brien

(8/16/2011) $22.99

Outwardly: prestige; a family respected, revered, instrumental in America's birth, headed by the State's most powerful judge. Inwardly: madness; a family writhing in religious upheaval, obscene threats, purple prose, pretension, posing, and murder. Ultimately: a Saratoga family consigned by Gothic decree to oblivion. — reviewed by Mike Hare (6/6/2018) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Saratoga Trunk by Edna Ferber $13.99 A fabulous tale of Saratoga high society in its heyday - as experienced by a pair of wiley grifters. This is a forgotten classic worthy of a revival. — reviewed by Rachel Person The Ducks of Congress Park by Tori Losey; illustrated by Kathy Liguori $9.95 A story about a mother, her sons, and their visits with the ducks in Congress Park. The landmarks of Congress Park are highlighted in the illustrations, solidifying a visitor’s memories of Saratoga Springs. — reviewed by Beth Byrne

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DATING DYSFUNCTION

Breaking the Pattern If you consistently experience drama and dysfunction in your relationships the key to healing may not lie in changing your behavior, but rather, learning to unlock the dysfunctional behavior patterns that are from your childhood.

liché but true… all roads lead back to childhood and your experiences with your parents and siblings. As humans we organize our thinking and behavior in patterns, we develop a familiarity with specific family dynamics and that becomes a template for the pattern of our relationships.

For example, if you grew up in a home with a difficult, emotionally unavailable parent, you may have unconsciously picked up the pattern of people pleasing at an attempt to engage the aloof parent. This would manifest in your adult relationships as a person who is fearful of any kind of conflict and to avoid pain they will silence their thoughts and feelings to accommodate other people at the expense of their peace of mind. A people pleaser will unconsciously be drawn and attracted to difficult romantic partners because that dynamic is a familiar pattern to them. If you grew up in a home with a parent who suffered from addiction or mood swings, you may have learned to cope by becoming quiet and invisible. This would protect you from having to engage with an unstable and emotionally volatile parent.

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As an adult you may find that you attract these same types of people romantically because you know how to survive the dysfunction. You also may find that the silent passivity you developed as a child to protect yourself is the same behavior that sabotages a healthy open relationship. If you find yourself extremely attracted to someone and the chemistry feels magnetic, it may not always mean you found your soul mate. More often than not, this feeling means you are around someone who reminds you of the parent you experienced the most conflict with. The chemistry feels amazing because intuitively you know the personality of the person and the dance is familiar from your childhood- you could do the dance blindfolded because the steps are part of what you downloaded as a relationship pattern in your childhood. The key to healing dysfunctional patterns and gaining insight into your behavior is awareness. Be aware of what your drug of choice is. Do you attract narcissists, cold non-communicative personalities, high maintenance energy vampires, or charming

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

Hollywood types? Whatever you keep attracting is rooted in your family dynamics. As soon as you become aware of your pattern you begin to change the pattern. The key to healing is your awareness and compassion for yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for making bad choices in love, recognize that you are capable of making healthy choices and attracting a stable healthy partner. Practice awareness on dates and begin to get a sense of what type of person you are drawn to. Once you know your trigger you can begin the process of healing and emotional freedom!

YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlfritz@gmail.com

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MEET... RORY WILSON OWNER / OPERATOR D’ANDREA’S PIZZA WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER

top in to D’Andrea’s Pizza for a slice of late-night fuel when owner Rory Wilson is there and you’ll likely get a good laugh on the side. You gotta have fun,” he said.

Easy As Pie As owner and operator of D’Andrea’s Pizza for 11 years, Wilson makes sure people feel welcome during each visit. “It’s a great feeling when I see people walk in and it brings a smile to their face,” said Wilson. Previously employed working his way up the McDonald’s Restaurant ladder into the corporate office, when the opportunity arose to take over the already established downtown pizza place, Wilson jumped at the chance. With an experienced full-time pizza-maker already on staff, Wilson was able to learn the business and even open a second D’Andrea’s Pizza five years ago in Wilton.

Awesome Sauce The two locations see a very different flow of traffic. Wilton is more consistent, while the downtown shop experiences extremes. Wilson sometimes even has scouts out to warn him when the crowd is on their way. “They’ll text me to say the concert is over and to be ready. It takes about 20 minutes and then they just descend on downtown. That’s the exciting part of the business,” said Wilson. Still, sometimes he is awed by the reaction of hungry patrons in the early hours. Wilson remembers one year after the Travers Stakes when they sold out of pizza. At 5 a.m. a man was so upset that he tore up four $20 bills in disgust on the sidewalk out front. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Experiences like this make Wilson just shake his head and laugh but also demonstrate a deeper philosophy from which his easy-going nature stems. “I’m a fun-loving guy and enjoy life as much as I can but obstacles do get in the way - people have arguments or disagreements or are just having a bad day – instead of getting down I try to get through it,” he said. It’s a mindset he finds helpful as the patriarch of a recently enlarged family, some of which work with him at the restaurant. “To get to work with my family is a bonus,” he said. Rory married his wife Stacey in November 2017 and is now the father of seven children, ages 12 to 32. He has two grandchildren with a third due in September.

The Big Cheese Bringing positivity to Caroline Street is something Wilson does in different ways. He has six tattoos which symbolize ideas of rebirth, tenacity and victory. He’s worked dressed as Darth Vadar, a skeleton and an elf. He’s covered D’Andrea’s in murals. On the exterior wall is an exciting design completed by Max Cohen in 2014. The interior wall (where hundreds of photos once hung) is now home to another mural painted by Courtney Bergquist in 2016. Good feelings have also been dished up in unique pie flavors; such as s’mores, the mozzarella stick and French fry pizza (invented by the Saratoga Springs boys’ volleyball team) and the chowderfest variety served during Wilson’s favorite event of the year. “Chowderfest is always memorable because you get to see so many people together and see Caroline Street so vibrant.” JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 147

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Saratoga Lake YES, SARATOGA HAS A LAKE

AND THREE OTHERS CLOSE BY!

LOOKING TO CHARTER A BOAT AND SAIL AROUND THE LAKE LIKE THEY DID IN THE LATE 1800S… LOOKING TO RENT A POWER BOAT… MAYBE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO LEARN TO ROW OR HOW TO SAIL… OR YOU JUST WANT TO LAZE AROUND THE LAKE ON A CANOE OR A KAYAK… MAYBE YOU WANT TO JAZZ UP YOUR WORKOUT WITH PADDLE BOATS, SUP BOARDS OR SUP YOGA. LOOKING TO TRY ONE OF THE NEWER THINGS ON SARATOGA LAKE… THAT WOULD BE THE HAMMOCK CRAFT! …OR MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO GRAB A DRINK, A BITE AND ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS. YUP, SARATOGA LAKE HAS IT ALL. COMPOSED BY KASSIDY PANCERELLA Thank you to the Saratoga Lake Association, Kayak Shak and the Warren County Chamber for these beautiful photos!

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Saratoga Lake CHARTER BOATS Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. allows you to cruise the lake in style, keeping the boating activities of yesterday alive in a 50-foot classic 1900’s Fantail Launch - or choose the more modern 22 foot Sweetwater Pontoon Boat – there’s something for everybody! Fully insured, NYS inspected, and piloted by licensed Captain (and company owner) Hal Raven. Conveniently located at Saratoga Lake Marina off Route 9P, just minutes from exit 14. Captain Hal offers everything from sunrise to sunset cruises… groups or private charters - the possibilities are endless! Adirondack Cruise & charter Co. Saratoga Marina, 549 Union Ave Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 956-2626 adkcruise.com

POWER BOATS RENTALS Point Breeze Marina 1459 NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Hours: Open today · 9AM–6PM (518) 587-3397 www.pointbreezemarina.com

Salvi Aquatic Boat Rentals

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

South Shore Marina LLC 113 NY-9P, Malta, NY 12020 8AM–8PM Phone: (518) 584-9125 LEARN TO ROW Ever want to learn to row? Take advantage of the beautiful Saratoga outdoors, get fit, and meet other likeminded individuals? Try the Adult Learn-to-Row Class! Whether you are returning to rowing after a long hiatus, looking to cross an item off your bucket list, looking to get into shape or thinking of joining our Master's program - you are sure to have a fun adventure. This class is made possible with the help of experienced Master's and Junior's from SRA. Sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm. Saratoga Rowing Association, 543 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-6697 www.SaratogaRowing.com

LEARN TO SAIL The "Invitation-To-Sail" is designed for those new to sailing who would just like a little taste of what it is like to be out in a sailboat. This will be a one session class designed to introduce the student to sailing to decide if it is something they would like to pursue. The class is offered on a scheduled basis in a group format or it can be taken as a private lesson. Adult "Learn-To-Sail" is designed for those new to sailing or with little experience, this class will teach basics of sailing, "cruising", boat handling, crewing, and water safety. Saratoga Sailing School – SaratogaSailingSchool.org

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KAYAKING, PADDLEBOARDING, SUP BOARDING & SUP YOGA The Kayak Shak 251 Rt. 67 Saratoga Springs NY 12866 KayakShak.com (518) 587–9788 550 MARINA & BOARD (SUP Yoga classes) 550 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 886-1373 Matthew@lakelocal.net Yes – the restaurant had a fire, but the board shop is open! SWIMMING Brown’s Beach is a popular public swimming spot in Saratoga. There is a shallow launch area for boating, but it’s great for families, with a nice wide sandy beach. They also have picnic grounds, a volleyball court, a fantastic restaurant and even an Inn for overnight accommodations. Brown's Beach Resort 511 U.S. 9, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 306-4987 dockbrowns@brownsbeachresort.com The Nest on Saratoga Lake (518)306-5531 www.thenest@brownsbeachresort.com

Sacandaga Lake THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF THE ADIRONDACKS! The Great Sacandaga Lake is known as the “best-kept secret of the Adirondacks.” It is one of the largest lakes in the Adirondacks, and can be found nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Preserve. Created by the Conklingville Dam in 1930, the lake today is an undiscovered treasure for boating, watersports, fishing, and other recreational activities. There are many family owned dining options, such as Lanzi’s on the lake. Lanzi’s is a small “chain” of restaurants owned by the Lanzi family with four open restaurants and one in progress! The Lanzi family is very “hands on” and you can always find them working elbow to elbow with their employees As far as boating goes… there are many marinas, beaches and various locations for day tripping, with many launches available. There are many different islands on Sacandaga with different offerings to each. Scout Island - owned

by the boy scouts - is a very rocky island and attempting to walk on it should be avoided, but there is a small cove, on one side - in the shape of a horseshoe - that is the perfect place to tuck away during a storrm. You can watch it all just pass on by you. On the opposite side of the cove is an area that is home to a family of bald eagles! You can spend all day watching them take off, and hunt for food. Sand Island is another that features a more accessible beach and offers lots of space for campfires, playing with dogs and enjoying family time on your boat. There are many different tie-ups which range from the very tip top of the lake and very far south. They often have DJs for music, and people tie their boats up to each other to hang out and enjoy the sun. Camping sites are hardly scarce to come by, as there are so many. North Hampton marina has camp sites, and docks for your boats.

NON-MOTORIZED BOAT LAUNCHES Saratoga Lake State Boat Launch I believe it’s $10 to park your vehicle, takes credit cards. NY-9P, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 6AM–7PM (518) 584-2535 Kayak Shak 251 Stafford Bridge Rd. Saratoga Springs NY 12866 (518) 587 – 9788 KayakShak.com. $5 per charge per boat to launch from their docks. Waterfront Park at Saratoga lake Free, open to the public, restrooms, picnicking, no swimming, plenty of parking, a wonderful passive park on Saratoga Lake. Free boat launching available. Directions from downtown…head east on Union Ave towards the lake, make a right onto Crescent Ave. and Waterfront Park is about ½ mile down on the left.

MOREAU LAKE -Over 4,500 acres

-20+ miles of hiking trails -U.S. Grant Cottage Historic Site -148 campsites -Group Camping site -3 cottages -Pavilions for rent for parties -Nature Center and Museum -3 boat launches -A 3 section swimming beach -And a beautiful 3 room nature center

Lake Local 550 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 call first to check re-opening (518) 886-1373 FIREWORKS July 3rd – Both ends of the lake

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Lake George

C R Y S TA L C L E A R WAT E R , G R E AT V I E W S ... A N D S O M U C H T O D O !

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

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W H AT P E O P L E A R E S AY I N G ... » Family Vacation Critic names Lake George’s Million Dollar Beach one of the Best Beaches for Families in 2016: visitlakegeorge.com/blog/10-best-beaches-forfamilies-in-2016 » Newsday “Weekend Getaways Every New Yorker Should Take”: visit: lakegeorge.com/blog/weekend-getaways-every-new-yorker-should-take » Trip Advisor “Best Places to Rent a Summer Lake House” visit: lakegeorge.com/blog/best-places-to-renta-summer-lake-house

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What locals know about

Saratoga...

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

FYI…

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

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

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

DON’T FEED THE DUCKS.

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

THE REAL NAME OF

“THE TRACK”

IS SARATOGA RACE COURSE

Why is it called CIRCULAR Street?

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

Route 29 heads EAST/ WEST and Route 9 heads NORTH SOUTH saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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.

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.

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3 DAY-HIKES TO CHECK OUT IN THE HIGH PEAKS

INDIAN HEAD AND RAINBOW FALLS

Head North

A N D T A K E A WEASY ALK ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF NORTH OF SARATOGA SPRINGS,VIA I-87

Easy This mellow out-and-back hike is an unsuspecting gem. You’ll find more beaver activity than crowds. Cut in 2010, the trail climbs gradually from Styles Brook Road (off 9N between Keene and Upper Jay) through white pines and intersecting brooks to a ridge at 1,750 feet. Enjoy a water break alongside impressive cliffs before descending switchbacks through dense trees to the peaceful alcove of Clements Pond. Brave the makeshift rowboat—complete with ducttaped leaks and coffee cans for bailing—on the pond’s north end, or bask in the sun while the pup takes a dip. Hint: Fancy yourself an angler? The 2.6-acre pond has been stocked with brook trout. 154 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

WRITTEN BY MATT MCDONALD PHOTOS BY MATT MCDONALD & KEVIN MCAVEY

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

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moderate ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 11 miles DIFFICULTY: Moderate PAYOFF: Views of the Ausable Lakes andone of the ADK’s tallest waterfalls PARKING: Free, St. Huberts parking area/trailheads (Adirondack Mountain Reserve)

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

MACINTYRE RANGE AND AVALANCHE PASS

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

Photo by Matt McDonald

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Visit Schuylerville

...the original Saratoga! WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN LUNDQUIST

Relaxed, diverse, lots to do, plenty of parking – and just down the road

f the Saratoga Racecourse, the great early Twentieth Century American sportswriter Red Smith is credited with saying, “From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years.” But if you take a right, instead of a left, and head ten miles East you go back 250+ years! A twenty-minute drive from Saratoga Springs gets you to the original Saratoga, now called Schuylerville. Old Saratoga began as a British fort, built in 1691. Following the French and Indian Wars, around 1763, the area became a civilian farming and manufacturing center due to its location along the Hudson River, ease of transportation, abundant waterpower from streams, and fertile river soils.

Many argue that Schuylerville is “the most historic town in America,” citing the significance – if not sheer number – of its historic claims. Most prominently is the British surrender after the Battle of Saratoga, which occurred just south in Stillwater. British General Burgoyne and the remnants of his once proud – once invincible – troops were harassed through cold autumn rains to Schuylerville – then Saratoga – where they surrendered on September 19, 1777. The startling American victory triggered French support in the war effort that eventually contributed to American Independence. History aside, here in this walkable small town one can find a surprising variety of eateries, two bakeries, a coffee shop, and a surprising number of galleries and craft shops. The bowling alley is called Lois Lanes. Really! Schuylerville has no chain stores. It is a model of independent owner-operated ventures. Chelsie Henderson, who opened the Rural Soul Studio

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sparkles with gentle electricity: “I moved here in 2012 looking for a town small enough to be homey but diverse enough to be interesting. I’m here for good!” Pride and enthusiasm are Old Saratoga – I mean Schuylerville – hallmarks. The original Champlain Canal runs right through Schuylerville – between the Hudson and Broad Street – and the towpath is a great walk or bike ride. It is difficult to imagine that 200 years ago this serene stretch was a 24/7 “super highway” that was so prosperous that its terminus New York City forever usurped London as the financial capital of the world. Just a bit further north is Lock 5 of the Champlain Canal and Hudson Crossing Park. Here you can walk, bike, fish, launch a kayak, watch boats “lock through” on the way to or from NYC or Montreal or the Great Lakes. There is even a small canal museum near the main lock. Lock 5 is also the home of Mohawk Maiden Cruises where a variety of on-river tours are offered in a replica paddlewheel riverboat. A very familyfriendly hundred or so acres! If you head back toward Saratoga Springs you might stop at Saratoga Apple where, in addition to apples, you will find an astonishing variety of food, ciders, and craft brews. On weekend evenings boutique farm-to-table Nine Miles East offers a rotating “country gourmet” menu and there’s often live music. A short drive to Schuylerville will offer visitors a great change of scene and pace, an opportunity to walk through history, while treating their palates and pocketbooks to affordable and delightful local offerings! SS

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Visit Ballston Spa

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN LUNDQUIST

A self-proclaimed “Village of Friends” …just three miles south of Saratoga Springs.

fact, somewhat ironically, Ballston Spa was “the summer place to be” – boasting the largest hotel in the United States, the Sans Souci – and it was the destination for the boldface names of the early 1800s. The town was dubbed “America’s First Watering Place,” a distinction it held into the mid-Nineteenth Century when a combination of the depletion of its springs and competition from a once-sleepy hamlet up the road heated up with a burst of mega-hotel and mineral spa development and the opening of its race course. Two years ago, The New York Times glowingly profiled Ballston Spa as “upstate New York’s other ‘spa town’ and these days it’s booming. Quirky boutiques, upscale bars, cafes and even a tastefully restored inn and spa; the Medberry, have also cropped up. For visitors eager to soak up a spa experience, find antiques, or play the ponies, Ballston Spa is increasingly seen as a less pricey alternative to Saratoga Springs.” This has not been lost on filmmakers who have sited numerous movies here. Nobody’s Fool, The Angel of Darkness, The Way We Were, and The Horse Whisperer were all filmed in and around the village. In fact, since 2008, Ballston Spa has hosted its own festival that features short films from around the world. Besides its glory days as a watering hole, Ballston Spa has other significant and whimsical claims to fame… Abner “Mr. Baseball” Doubleday was born here. James Fenimore Copper wrote The Last of the Mohicans in the building that now houses the local museum and the National Bottle Museum (yes, a national bottle museum!) …and that’s not all – the ubiquitous brown paper bag was invented by George West, which he manufactured by the millions after the American Civil War. The primary locus of activity is the area around Front Street (the oldest lane in town) and Milton Avenue The village is very walkable, so park anywhere and you will find yourself tripping over or into any number of spots for breakfast, lunch or dinner, antiquing, or generally enjoying the local art scene. SS …come enjoy all that B. Spa offers!

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Visit Greenwich

"One cannot get lost in a rural paradise..." WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY DAN LUNDQUIST

t seems there’s something magnetically attractive about a place bounded by two rivers, traversed by numerous streams, where the magnificent rolling hills can be gently navigated by too many country lanes to count. Let the magnetic attraction draw you eastward, across Nature’s Pride - the Hudson River and you’ll soon be traversing the Battenkill River (a redundant pleonasm since “kill” is Dutch for creek). Layer-in major industries like “farm to glass” microbrewing, craft dairies and small-batch country gourmet meat shops, and maple syrup at almost every turn. Then add the footprints of a US president (Chester Arthur), a seminal folk artist (Grandma Moses), and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights (Susan B Anthony) and you have a village that runneth over with history, natural beauty, and a lively, albeit small main street. Heading East toward Greenwich, you drive past the Washington County Fairgrounds that hosts – in addition to a spectacular saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

end-of-summer county fair – numerous events all summer ranging from antique craft fairs, to rug auctions and tractor pulls. Right across the street from the fairgrounds is the famous Hand Melon farm stand, a great stop for all kinds of flowers and produce, but renowned for their cantaloupe melons, featured at the Saratoga Race Course where “movie stars, presidents, and the Saratoga summer set have all enjoyed Hand Melons.” Getting to the “village proper” brings you past stately mansions nestled among tree lined streets, resulting in that feeling of going back in time. All this - just 16 miles East of Saratoga Springs - a beautiful 30-minute drive out Lake Avenue (Route 29). We are talking about Greenwich, NY, which the locals will tell you… is GREEN-which, not GREN-itch. One cannot get lost in a rural paradise, so turn off your GPS and let your curiosity be the navigator as you explore the side roads skirted by creeks and fields that surround the quaint little village that is Greenwich, NY. SS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 159

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Randall Perry Photography

H&G

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Archite

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cturally SPEAKING FOLLOW US AS WE EXPLORE SOME OF THE AREA'S UNIQUE SPACES...

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WRITTEN BY MAUREEN WERTHER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RANDALL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

SASHA AND JOSH PRESSEISEN

have talked about one day designing, building and living in a modern home ever since they were high school sweethearts growing up in rural Charlton. Sasha is one of three children of Chip and Sally Ellms, owners of the popular Ellms Family Farm and Ellms Christmas Tree Farm. After the two married, they moved to Boston, where Josh worked as Art Director for an architectural firm, and they started their family. They also continued to plan for their dream home. In 2015 they returned to Charlton with their family, which now consisted of four kids ranging in age from 13 to 2, purchasing nine acres just down the roafrom the family farm, with Sasha’s sister’s house situated in between the farm and the Presseisen’s property. 164 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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“We originally wanted something super modern-looking, but my brother Garth was in an uproar,” says Sasha. “He said he couldn’t imagine having to look at something so modern and, for Garth, so seemingly out of place in its surroundings. They compromised, opting for a modern barn design. After more than a year of design followed by another year or more of construction, the home at 488 Charlton Road celebrates the best of both rural and contemporary, set against a pastoral backdrop that fits it to a T. I am greeted at the bright orange front door by the family dog, a Wheaton Terrier, Poodle mix named Pippa. True to her name, the fluffy friendly 15-month old is a real pip as she bounds across the expansive main living area as if on springs. The 4,800 square-foot home is a perfectly balanced combination of open space, natural light and one-of-a-kind architectural touches, like the ceiling beams wrapped in hand- milled African mahogany. The result is a space that at once feels like an open, airy gallery and a spacious welcoming home that lends itself to bounding puppies and busy, active children. “I over-researched everything,” says Sasha, a petite women with waist-length hair and a youthful appearance and demeanor that makes you look twice when you realize her oldest child is 16. Sasha’s kids are in the process of getting off their respective school buses, while her 5-year old daughter, Clover, is engrossed in a project at the mid-century desk located at one end of the enormous main “barn” area. Standing in the spacious entry foyer, I look toward the eastern end of the house, which consists of ceiling-tofloor windows. From the vantage point of the foyer, the space on the other side of the glass wall gives the appearance of the house dropping off into infinity. Sasha tells me the story of a friend who was visiting. Standing in the foyer, she watched as Clover began walking through the open glass door.

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Randall Perry Photography

“My friend started running at a break neck pace to get to our daughter, thinking that she was walking out the glass door into thin air,” she laughs. The wood flooring is engineered oak in broad planks that are neutrally shaded, creating a look that is at once striking and soothing. Like the floors, the walls are also a soft muted shade of white, accented by those stunning mahogany-wrapped ceiling beams and trim. Suspended over the dining room table are two large plates of glass, which open the first floor visually to the second floor, with a supporting beam that dissects the glass and doubles as an anchor to the modern chandelier that is suspended from it. The entire second floor is the domain of their eldest son, Aven. The open gallery is a comfy TV and computer space, with the bedroom tucked away to the rear “We didn’t put a bath up here,” says Sasha. “If we did, we’d never see him!” 168 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Randall Perry Photography

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Randall Perry Photography

The cork flooring has a soft, almost buoyant feel to it, which dampens the noise of heavy feet overhead. Its mottled pattern also hides a multitude of “sins” that are bound to happen with a teenage boy in the house. The railings – also African mahogany – are a combination of wood, wire and glass, which repeats the open theme of the space. The staircase and railings were made by Dave Bennett of Bennett Stair Co. on Route 50 in Ballston Lake. The kitchen area is a spacious galley, with counters for kids to perch up on for snacks or quick meals. Sasha has a special “cut-out” space in the counter where she can tuck herself into the little nook as she prepares and doles out food “If I didn’t have this cut-out, I wouldn’t be able to reach across to the counter because I’m so short,” Sasha explains with a good-natured shrug. The cabinets that line the opposite wall of the kitchen were designed and built by Paul Perry of Scotia. Sasha especially loves the pull-out drawer that houses a plethora of spatulas, whisks and other utensils that would otherwise clutter the gleaming white quartz counter. The appliances are all Wolff and are accented by a white, three-dimensional “cube” backsplash. It resembles a cubist painting and I find myself entranced by it the way one is by a Rorschach test. Looking at it from one angle, it appears like a series of blocks; from another, it looks like diamond shapes. Very retro. Very cool.

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And speaking of cool, the main attraction in the huge pantry adjacent to the kitchen is the aquamarine 1950’s-style fridge, courtesy of the “Big Chill,” an online retail outlet that specializes in retro and vintage-looking appliances. The other “wing” of the house, which is perpendicular to the “barn” living area, is home to bedrooms, baths and laundry. Most of the rooms have furniture and decorative accessories from Sasha’s aunt, who lived in a “mid-century modern” house in Palo Alto. When her aunt passed away, she left everything in the house to Sasha. The ‘50s and ‘60s modern streamlined desks, chairs and couches evoke images of the 1960’s World’s Fair “Home of the Future,” with a little George Jetson thrown in. One of my favorites is the Styrofoam mannequin head that sits perched along a shelf. The master bath has a large oval free-standing tub that you can tell is great for soaking and bubbles. It sits in front of a wall of shimmering pale slate blue subway tiles. The blue is reprised in the shower, which is accented with smooth rounded pebbles that travel up the walls. At one end of the 50-foot long hallway is a cleverly-designed door that, on one side, is a shelf for photos and art. A simple lever opens the shelf to reveal the hidden stairway to the attic above. What could have been an awkwardly-placed and unimaginative door is instead a nook for family photos and artsy knick-knacks.

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WITH

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A few feet away are the stairs leading to the lower level, which is truly a child’s paradise. The craft room is my favorite space, with personalized desks for each of the younger girls and ceiling-to-floor shelving in closets that travel the length of the room. Art supplies occupy cabinets, counters shelves, desktops, and the room has a much-loved and frequently-used air to it. The fruits of the creativity the space engenders are displayed proudly around the room. Down the hall is a gymnastic space that would make any aspiring Olympian green with envy. Thick floor mats, rings, parallel bars, and a plethora of other equipment and apparatus, fill the room. The high ceilings ensure safety as the family’s young gymnasts flip, dive, and do double back hand-springs down the length of the mat. My tour ends as it began, with Pippa wishing me a fond farewell in the foyer. The Presseisens have successfully merged the clean lines and open space of modern living with a warmth, ease and comfort of a family sanctuary. As I drive back down Charlton Road, passing the traditional family home of the Ellms Family Farm, I glance back at the modern barn and see how well it fits in with its surroundings. SS

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The secret to being an all-star host is very simple: learn how to be a guest at your own dinner party. Juggling entertaining your guests, setting the table, preparing food and making sure everything is running smoothly can be a handful – the key is all in pre-production. Do as much as you can before your guests arrive. I am sure we all agree there is nothing worse than seeing a host who is running around frantically to get things done that they could have done before. The goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere that makes your guests feel comfortable and welcome. If you are having a low-key cocktail party, consider a series of appetizer stations paired with wines and offer a signature cocktail that can be pre-batched. A pre-batched cocktail could be served from a large beverage server or, perhaps, you have a few pitchers prepared that need only ice and a garnish. It’s easy to set up and allows guests to help themselves. Not only does this give guests more of a selection but it allows your guests to take a gastronomic journey that you control. Try a crudité and white wine on the coffee table; charcuterie and cheeses with a baguette paired with red wine. Smoked salmon or gravlax paired with a Chardonnay or frozen vodka, seafood or shrimp cocktail with a Sauvignon Blanc-- you get the picture! Without help or a wait staff, this allows you to mingle with your guests and be the ultimate host while your guests continue to enjoy the party.

If you are hosting a seated dinner always seat your guests. This has nothing to do with formality, but a good host has thought who would pair well with whom for a great and memorable dining experience. Name cards create an effortless seating experience when it’s time for everyone to take their places. This is particularly true when there are new faces in the group; assigning seats can open the door for conversation and take away any awkwardness when guests are finding their seats. This does not have to be a formal calligraphed place card. I sometimes use a magic marker and write the names on a piece of fruit or a vegetable that might end up being used the following day.

Colin Cowie tells us how to be... the

All-Star Host

Plan a menu that allows you to prepare as much as possible the day before and can be kept in the refrigerator. A soup served tableside from a coffee pourer or pitcher or a large salad that could be passed around are easy ways to serve starters. For the main course opt for a casserole, lasagna or a dish that is designed to go from oven to table. This way you spend time with your guests vs. being stuck in the kitchen and making brief appearances between courses. Setting the mood is a crucial and often overlooked part of hosting. It’s not only the table setting that creates atmosphere. Set the ambiance by focusing on what your guests will experience. Think of the five senses: what will they smell, touch, taste, see and hear as they enter your home? Candles create a warm lighting that is much better than any kind of cool or fluorescent glare. Disperse them in the living and dining area as well as in the bathroom that guests will have access to. Set a color scheme and have it continued throughout the entire home. The music should differ depending on whether people are mingling or eating, and even dimming or brightening the lights at certain times can help to create the right feel. Overall, the key is being prepared. An all-star host has set the mood and flow of the evening well before the first guest presses their finger on the doorbell. Be ready with a glass in hand, a pre-set table and a smile on your face! Most importantly,

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Preparing for

your Summer Guests WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE

ummer is just days away. For many Saratoga residents – permanent and seasonal - that means track season. And for all of us, that means warm weather, kids off from school, vacations, cook outs, swimming, gardening and so much more.

Among all the fun activities, it also brings out-of-area guests to your own home as they come for a visit or stop on their “way through.” Having visitors should be enjoyable, but sometimes leaves even the savviest of hosts a bit stressed. Planning can take care of that. Tackling these items will make sure every detail is met and makes you appear to be the most organized host ever!

First, (about three weeks before the visit) make a list of all the special cleaning and/or repairs to the house you want to do before they arrive and make a list of household purchases you may need to make i.e. new pillows, linens, towels, etc.

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Would it be helpful for them to have their own key?

Where will they sleep? If you have a room or area dedicated to guests, just do a clean sweep and make sure fresh linens and towels are taken care of. If this is a shared area in the home, stage in a corner the items needed to quickly set up the space. That way, if you are using the space just before bed time you can do the switch as fast as possible; usually late at night! Also, check air mattresses for holes!

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Give them a spot to park their belongings. A rack, a spot by the sleeping area, space in the closet if there is a formal event they need to attend for long dresses and suits.

Stash spare toiletries either in the bathroom they will use or in a basket made up for them. This helps prevent time wasted or confusion when everyone is getting ready in the morning. Remember to point out the hair dryer location and set up a stack of towels for them to use.

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Write out the Wi-Fi network and code.

Plan out the meals; what meals will you be in for and what ones you will be out for. Really plan out the meals for home; don’t wing it or you will be rushing to the store or eating late. Also, ask guests prior to, what staples they will want on hand, so you can get those. With allergies and health issues, your guests may have certain foods they rely on or need. This thoughtfulness and preparedness speaks volumes!

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Specifically for breakfast, everyone wakes at different times. Show them the coffee station and easy breakfast options so they can help themselves if needed.

Lay out the attractions you want to go to with your company. Museums, amusement parks, special restaurants, and such and create a loose itinerary for those activities. If you can, order tickets online to avoid waiting in ticket lines the day of. Consider less congested days to do the more popular attractions to reduce waiting and crowds. If you or your guests have young kids, consider naps, downtime, bedtime and energy release sessions!

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How will you all get around? Do they have their own car? If not, tidy up your own car(s) so they’re ready to go. Have a taxi number handy.

When they arrive, give them a grand tour of the home – drinks, dishes, snacks, as well as point out where trash and recycling are and how to use the shower. We all remember the time we didn’t know how to turn the shower on! Point any special areas of concern – pull door tight to lock, low hanging light, etc.

Lastly, get this all done so you can truly visit with your guests. Being organized about the visit means less stress and less stress means relaxing and enjoying the visit! SS

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ENTERTAINING BY JODIE FITZ

Made Easy!

I LOVE summer salad season! I have many favorite combinations; ha ha (in fact, I shared a few more at the bottom of this post). Here is one deliciously scrumptious salad that’s layered with all kinds of flavorful goodness. When I make a salad, especially to share with friends, I am not known for putting the lettuce mix in first and then all the other ingredients on top. I like my salads filled with flavor.

Here is what’s in this salad combo: • Spring Mix • Chopped Pecans • Fresh Strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced • Fresh Blueberries washed • Honey Goat Cheese cut into small pieces

I do at least three layers by starting with some spring mix and then a layer of the pecans, sliced strawberries, blueberries and diced honey goat cheese and they I repeat the layers three more times. I top this salad combination off with my Raspberry Vinaigrette salad dressing.

RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING BY JODI FITZ • 1 cup of fresh raspberries • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar • 3 tablespoons water • 1- 2 tablespoons honey • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions Wash the raspberries. Puree them in a food processor or blender until it’s pureed very well, almost gel like. Stir the raspberry puree, åhoney, onion powder, garlic powder and sea salt together. Keep refrigerated until you serve. Stir or Shake before serving depending on the container you have it stored in.

S'MORES MARTINIS WITH JODIE FITZ • 1 cup almond milk (yes you can use regular) • 3 oz. marshmallow flavored vodka • 2 oz. Godiva Chocolate Liqueur • 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup • 1/2 cup ice Graham Cracker Rimmed Glasses: Simply put one graham cracker into a mini chopper (or food processor) and crush it! Wet the rim of the glass with a bit of water (I wipe it on with a wet paper towel) and dip the wet rim into the crushed graham crackers. You can use your favorite brand, but I LOVE the gluten free S’morables by KinniKinnick. 178 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

Directions Pour the almond milk, marshmallow vodka, chocolate liqueur and chocolate syrup into a drink shaker with the ice. Shake & serve.

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

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In the Kitchen WITH

JOHN REARDON

The Great Outdoors

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 HELLO MY FOODIE FRIENDS! Summer is such a beautiful season in Saratoga Springs. Our fabulous city carries the motto of “Health, History, and Horses” and our summer season truly reflects these three key areas. The energy level in the city rises with SPAC events, the ballet and orchestra, a season of world-class horse racing, and of course, shopping and eating in our beautiful downtown. And… it’s a wonderful time to cook and eat outdoors. As I was thinking about outdoorcooking, I was reminded about one of the funniest scenes in the movies. I love John Candy, especially his role in the movie “The Great Outdoors.” I still laugh when I think about the “Ol’ 96er” scene in the movie; this amusing scene involved the star’s attempt to consume “a 96-ounce prime aged-beef steak” — and earn his crowded table a free meal. The scene includes the challenge of eating this much steak and Candy’s meat-sweats and the gurgling distress that Dan Ackroyd hears beneath his friend’s stomach. Another classic scene is when Dan Ackroyd plays the Grill Chef and is carrying on a dialogue with John Candy while BBQing Lobster. Spending time outdoors in the summer is a wonderful time for your “Grill Chef ” to try new recipes, tell those stories that have been told over and over again, and to create some of the classic memories that will live on. As you prepare for your great outdoor outings; keep in mind some of the tools you will need. Below is the essential checklist that should cover everything you need for your next BBQ. 180 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

TOOLS FOR THE GRILL Gas / Charcoal Lighter Aluminum pans & foils Cooking spray Cutting board Tongs/slotted turners/basting brushes Instant-read thermometer

Here is a delicious recipe. It may not be the “Ol’ 96er” but it is a fantastic outdoor recipe to serve.

LEMON AND OREGANO GRILLED CHICKEN INGREDIENTS 1 (3 1/2 to 4 pounds) whole chicken or chicken pieces 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar juice + zest of 1 lemon ¼ cup fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped 2 cloves garlic minced or grated A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes Kosher salt and pepper Fresh basil for serving

If using a whole chicken, remove the chicken giblets. Pat the outside dry. Place the chicken on a cutting board, breast side down, so that the chicken’s back is facing up. While using a pair of sharp kitchen or poultry scissors, cut closely along either side of the backbone. Remove the bone and discard. Turn the chicken over so the breast is now facing up and press down firmly on the breast and flatten the chicken. Place the chicken in a re-sealable bag.

In small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest + juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the marinade over chicken, rubbing the marinade all over the chicken’s skin. Seal the bag and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or preferably over night.

3 4

Preheat an outdoor grill or large grill pan to medium high.

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Grill, breast side down, covered for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken has a nice char, flip and grill another 10-15 minutes. Flip once more and grill until cooked through and the chicken registers 160 degrees F on a thermometer. Let rest 10 minutes.

Serve the chicken with fresh melon, basil and oregano. Enjoy!

Let’s BBQ together this summer and stop in and share your stories, even the disasters! There are always times when everything doesn’t go perfectly. As in the movie, I’ve had my share of disasters, but the good times are worth it! Ask me why I don’t have a mustache anymore. Stop by Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place. We are Saratoga Springs' true kitchen essentials store, for your culinary needs. Quality tools for Quality results! Remember my Foodie Friends that: “Life Happens in the Kitchen (or around the BBQ grill)!"

Take care, John and Paula

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The Open Secret for

SUPER SAL ADS

et set for summer picnics and cookouts with a stop by at Saratoga’s Farmers’ Markets. Grab all the gorgeous locally-grown vegetables, meats and cheeses and then talk with Tami Cohan about new ways to make them taste terrific. Bottled up for years, now she’s more than happy to share her secrets.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MEGIN POTTER

Chock a salad full of delectable delights and it’s still the dressing that makes all the difference. A great marinade makes the meat a joy to eat. Tami’s secrets got her kids revved up to eat their vegetables and even got their friends on board and asking for more. “’How do we get the dressing?’” college friends would ask her son Connor. After a decade in development, now anyone can get the family’s secret dressings and marinades. “One customer said to me, ‘My family eats salad because of your dressing.’”

Dressing for Success

Momma’s Secret Salad Dressing and Marinades is a line of four dressings and two marinades that are creating a taste sensation people can’t stop talking about. “I love to cook and I love to share recipes, but this is the one recipe I never shared,” said Tami. Their newest variety is a Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt and Maple flavor. More savory than sweet, Tami suggests using it to top off a salad full of greens, strawberries, pistachio nuts and shaved provolone cheese. “It’s unusual, but we love it,” she said. The highly desirable Momma’s House Dressing is an apple cider vinegar and canola oil base filled with a combination of herbs and spices. There is also an Adirondack Maple Balsamic and a Creamy Balsamic dressing. The Adirondack Mountain Sauce and the Rosemary and Balsamic marinades round out their menu of offerings.

With A Heaping Helping of Love

Adapted from her mother, Shirley Tetreault’s recipes (made from scratch with all natural, locally sourced ingredients and no preservatives), the family secret has blossomed into a thriving family business during the past three years. In 2016, a farm stand in Northville was the first to carry Momma’s Secret Salad Dressings and Marinades. The following year, the Cohan’s set up a booth on Sundays at the Spa City Farmers’ Market. This year, they will also be available at Saturday’s Saratoga Farmers’ Market on High Rock Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Working with her children, son Casey and daughter Kyleigh, and her husband Peter, the family rents out the commercial kitchen at the Saratoga Senior Center (where Shirley loves to socialize) for the endeavor. The whole family is there making up to 40 cases a night. “I’m proud of how my kids have stepped up and really helped us all,” said Tami. Along with its regional flavor and family memories, Momma’s Secret Salad Dressings and Marinades is also a tribute to Shirley and those like her who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. A portion of the proceeds from each sale is donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. “We really try to keep a little bit of her in this with us, too,” she said. For more information go to https://mommassecretsaladdressing.com saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Post Time Memories with Dennis G. Hogan

The Brooklyn Cowboy, Kevin Cox

Cowboy Up! Another season at historic Saratoga Race Course is close at hand, and once again the world’s best trainers, jockeys, Thoroughbreds and fans will converge upon the Spa to ‘take the waters’ and play the races. Now they say a bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work, though a bad day at the track can be more costly than an entire school of salmon dinners. So to help you cast your line in the right direction I’ve asked a certain Saratoga-based public handicapper to share his thoughts for making your day a winning one. His name is Kevin Cox though they call him the ‘Brooklyn Cowboy,’ and for the last five years he’s hung his hat at Saratogabets.com. Kevin’s not your average prognosticator - he’s a retired NYPD mounted division officer, a one-time jockey agent, and he was a regular on the Esquire channel’s reality-TV series “Horseplayers.” He’s also solidified his handicapping bona fides by qualifying ten times over the last six years for the National Horseplayers Championship, sponsored by the NTRA.

as those given a ‘prep’ race under different circumstances in their last start. “Trainer-wise, a Chad Brown turf runner must be incorporated into any multi-race tickets, as well as any Todd Pletcher dirt runner - but you don’t need a professional like me to tell you that. What I will give you is a good long shot trainer to look out for: Jimmy Ferraro. He’s 5 for 15 since 2014 at Saratoga, with runners off breaks of 10-50 days at 30-1 or less. As a side note, his father once worked for Seabiscuit’s trainer Tom Smith. "Also, take note of jockeys who come from different circuits, like Ricardo Santana. Newcomers have a tendency to try harder for the minor spoils in hopes of making an impression. Pay special attention to Manny Franco, who is improving by leaps and bounds; and it doesn't hurt that he's being mentored by the King of Saratoga, Angel Cordero." This year NYRA will offer a stocked pool of top shelf competition to highlight the meet: 69 stakes races, 38 of which are Grade I, II or III, and a total of 18.8 million in purses will be on the line. Kevin agrees - the Saratoga schedule is one of the finest in the world.

“My numbers for last year’s Saratoga meet were slightly below par,” said Kevin, “though that’s a testament to how difficult the meet can be. I usually win with about 20 percent of my selections. Most public handicappers give out 30 percent winners but I select more long shots than most so my batting average is a bit lower.

“Black type is so important because if you look at any sales catalogue, the major focus is how many stakes, especially graded wins & placings, the sires & dams have. Owners desperately want their horses to be stakes placed so as to help their breeding prospects down the road.”

“What makes Saratoga unique is its country charm, and it’s also one of the most difficult tracks in America to find ‘angles’ per se, as so many horses and trainers ship in from all parts of the country and the world - and they’re all keying in on just six weeks.

And what is Kevin’s favorite black-type affair? “I love the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, formerly the King's Bishop - even more than the Travers! To me, a Grade one, 7 furlong race is as good as it gets; a very tactical race. I'm also a big supporter of the steeplechase program and they have two graded stakes up here as well, which I never miss.”

“Definitely pay attention to horses making their second start over the track at the meet, as well 182 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

When at Saratoga it’s tempting to play every race though winning horseplayers pick their spots, sometimes waiting days for the right circumstances to appear. “You don't have to bet every race up here - so don’t,” advises Kevin. “Go to the Big Red Spring in the backyard, or maybe the bandshell by the jock’s room, or perhaps the new Saratoga Hall of Fame nearby. And if you're having a really rough day, grab a beer & sit beneath my father's plaque in the grandstand for a touch of good luck.” Thanks Kevin, all good advice. And if you’d like to sharpen your head-to-head handicapping skills why not try the ‘Low Roller Challenge,’ offered every Sunday and Monday (except closing Monday, Sept. 3.) For a low entry fee of $40 you’ll make five $2 acrossthe-board bets totaling $30, the remaining $10 goes into a pot that is split by those whose bets accrue the most money. At the end of the day you’ll redeem any winnings your selections may have chalked up. And stop by Saratogabets.com and ride along with the Brooklyn Cowboy, Kevin Cox. His selections are free and always accompanied by a mix of witty banter, personal insight and a certain sense of style. You can also find him on Twitter at ‘BrooklynCowboy1.’ “Someday I’ll have to find out who the ‘BrooklynCowboy’ is, as I don’t like playing second fiddle,” quips Kevin, with a tip of the hat. The 2018 Saratoga season begins Friday, July 20, and runs through Monday, September 3. Racing is held six days a week; on Tuesdays you get a much-needed day off to study the ‘Form before getting right back on the horse come Wednesday. Good luck at the races - and don’t forget: the winner catches dinner. SS

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HISTORY

Our

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GEORGE BOLSTER COLLECTION

FOR MORE ON THIS PHOTO SEE PAGE 186.

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184 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Canfield Casino

Telling the Story of

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

f you have ever wanted to see Tiffany windows, dozens of portraits by 19th century artists, the silk undergarments of Lillian Russell, Belter Furniture, and countless artifacts that tell the story of Saratoga Springs, then the Saratoga Springs History Museum located in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park should be you destination this summer.

The Saratoga Springs History Museum has a collection of over 15,000 items important to the history of the city and is housed in the “jewel of the city,” the Canfield Casino. The museum’s collection also has such unique items as Abraham Lincoln’s eye glasses and a hand-written military order from General George Patton. The power of this museum is hard to judge since the building that houses the saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

collection is just as impressive as the collection itself. The Canfield Casino was originally built by John Morrissey in 1870, and the building was initially called the Saratoga Club House. Morrissey ran the casino until his death in May of 1878 at the age of 47. Upon Morrissey’s death, different subsequent owners operated the building until Richard Canfield became sole owner in the later part of the 19th century. Canfield added a beautiful addition that would become a renowned restaurant. During construction of the Saratoga Club House in 1870, the interior of the building was designed and decorated by the worldfamous Herter Brothers of New York City. During this period the Herter Brothers designed some of the greatest buildings constructed in the country. Today this building is one of only three public buildings in the United States with a large collection of Herter Brother furnishings. JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 185

of the city beginning with Broad Street, later re-named Broadway. The orientation room continues with displays that tell about mineral water, bottling and the social life in the grand hotels of the 1800s. Included in the orientation room are the undergarments of star of American and European stage, Lillian Russell. Lillian was the heart throb of the later years of the 1800s and was renowned for her voice, acting and natural beauty of the day. Lillian was a frequent summer visitor to Saratoga with longtime friend, Diamond Jim Brady. The orientation room finishes with historic artifacts from the 20th century and beyond

HIGH STAKES ROOM

ORIENTATION ROOM When a visitor enters the Saratoga Springs History Museum they are initially introduced to the story of Saratoga Springs by the orientation room. This room has a tremendous collection of unique artifacts that help to define the city of Saratoga Springs. When you visit, you don’t want to miss the original hand painted sign of the Putnam Tavern and Boarding House. This sign marked the location of the first hotel in the city in 1802. The sign was painted by Doanda Putnam who along with her husband Gideon Putnam were the original visionaries of the city. The Putnams were the first to recognize that the mineral springs that naturally bubbled from the ground, would attract visitors to the area. The Putnams purchased land and even began to lay out the streets 186 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

On the second-floor, visitors are introduced to the gambling history of the building. The High Stakes Room located in the front of the second floor of the museum, tells the story of fortunes won and lost. A room reserved for people with very large assets, the High Stakes Room allowed for bets as high as $10,000 on each turn of a card. Faro and roulette were the games of choice of the day with a long list of wealthy members of society who spent many warm summer nights on the second floor trying to beat the odds. One of the most famous gambling events in the high stakes room involved “Bet A Million Gates.” Gates had made a fortune in barbed wire in the latter half of the 1800’s and loved to gamble. One August day, Gates traveled to the Saratoga Race Track and lost $250,000 that afternoon. After leaving the track he was traveling back to his hotel when he decided to try to change his luck with a stop at the Canfield Casino. In the High Stakes Room, he proceeded to lose about $250,000, more at Faro and roulette. He was frustrated and asked to raise the house limit and Canfield allowed the request. He continued gambling with the raised limit until 4:00 AM when he had won back about $150,000 at the tables. As he left to go to breakfast he was heard saying “Not bad, I got part of it back.” This was the atmosphere of the high stakes environment of the day and the stories of the Canfield Casino.

NEW EXHIBIT The newest exhibit to the museum opened to the public this year on May 24 and is entitled “Death Becomes Her: Victorian Mourning Rituals Told Through Art and Design.” This unique exhibit explores the practices of funerals and mourning rituals during the latter half of the 19th century. Rare never seen before artifacts are on display from both President U.S. Grant and the Walworth family. President Grant died on nearby Mount McGregor in July of 1885 after completing the writing of his personal memoires to be published soon after his passing. The Walworths were a prominent family that lived many saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

generations in a house on the north end of Broadway

MORRISSEY’S PORTRAIT AND DESK As you climb the stairs to the second floor you are greeted with two great assets of the museum, the portrait and personal desk of the founder of the Casino, John Morrissey. Morrissey came to Saratoga Springs after a checkered life in New York City working as an enforcer for the Dead Rabbit’s Gang, an ally of the Tammany Hall group. During his life Morrissey became Heavy Weight Bare Knuckles Champion of the world, a politician, and owner of a small gambling house on Woodlawn Avenue in Saratoga Springs. In 1863 it was his vision to start the Saratoga Racetrack that moved to its present location in 1864. After initial success with the small gaming house and the racetrack, he decided to build and run an eloquent establishment for the very wealthy in Saratoga Springs that he named the Saratoga Clubhouse.

WALWORTH MUSEUM The third floor offers a glimpse at the life of the Walworth family with a wonderful collection of furniture, art and personal belonging that were found in the Walworth Mansion before it was razed in the early 1950s. This six room collection was willed for display by the last member of the Walworth family, Clara, at the time of her death. This very special collection provides a unique view of the life of a prominent Saratoga Springs family in Victorian America. Each room has audio narration that describes the room and the position of family members in the history of the city.

SCHEDULE A VISIT AND TOUR Plan a family visit to the museum, which is open daily (during the summer season) from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. with an admission cost of $7.00 / adult and $6/ seniors. Make your visit even more special with a guided tour of not only the orientation room of the museum, but the interior of the beautiful Canfield Casino. This unique tour, about one hour in duration, is being offered Monday – Friday at 11:30 A.M. at a cost of $10 / person with occasional weekend tours (call for availability). New this season to the museum, this is the only docent guided tour of the grand ballroom

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and parlors of the Canfield casino in the city and should not be missed. If you are interested in ghosts you may also want to take a Ghost Tour on Monday, Wednesday or Friday also at 11:00 A.M. for $10/ person. Events in the Canfield Casino, of the supernatural nature, were investigated by the TV show “Ghost Hunters.” For additional information on all these offerings you can call the Saratoga Springs History Museum at 518-584-6920 or visit their website at www.saratogahistory.org. SS

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

CONGRESS SPRING AND GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL An image of the worldfamous Congress Spring in Congress Park. The view is looking west with the roof line of the Grand Central Hotel that only operated for three seasons before being destroyed in a fire on October 1, 1874. 188 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

INTERSECTION OF EAST AVENUE AND FIFTH AVE How the city of Saratoga Springs has changed. This is the intersection of East and Fifth looking east in 1936. The Oklahoma Training track can be seen on the upper right side in the distance.

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SIDE ENTRANCE TO THE CANFIELD CASINO This recently discovered image shows the Canfield Casino before Canfield owned it. Close inspection of the sign above the door reads: “Ladies’ and Gentlemens Restaurant.” This is prior to Canfield adding the ballroom of today. The Morrissey fountain is to the right of the door and shows a never before seen cage on the top. This cage helps to explain the stories of a red ball being placed atop the fountain when gambling was occurring.

CIRCULAR STREET AND SPRING STREET This image looks south on Circular Street with Skidmore Hall (apartments) on the left in the distance, and Dr. Strong’s Sanitorium on the left closer to the photographer. Today Father’s Hall occupies the site of Dr. Strong’s. Notice the reminder of the days of horse drawn carriages with stepping stones on the right near the street.

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WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED Photo provided by Doug Lake

Dining Out 20 Century

Saratoga Take a tour with us through Saratoga's old eating establishments as Carol Godette features a different one in each issue of Simply Saratoga Magazine - Enjoy!

190 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

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ining out or plating in? This option wasn't available for Saratogians of the '60s and '70s. Recently a friend boasted that although his wife didn't cook, she "plates a beautiful dinner" - referring to her ability to transform local take-out specials into artistic creations. The popularity of “Take out Tuesday” offerings has helped sustain year-round business and is a relatively new aspect of our local culinary scene. Although this particular phenomenon isn’t unique, Saratoga Springs’ mom-and-pop restaurants have had a rich history - from the purported invention of both the potato chip and the club sandwich - to the famous and infamous clientele that have savored their cuisine. Perhaps due to zoning laws that limit fast food chains with large footprints or the discerning tastes of the racing crowd and resident summer artists, local mom-and-pop restaurants have been the rule rather than exception within our city limits- a double edged sword for many mom and pop operators. Along with many choices comes stiff competition -within the last few months three once popular restaurants in the downtown area closed- One Caroline St, Park Side Eatery, and The Merry Monk. Today, sidewalk cafes are essential elements of our local restaurant scene. This was not the case for the eateries listed in the Saratoga Springs 1963 Chamber of Commerce's Centennial brochure.

Opened in 1948 at 153 South Broadway the Spa City Diner was a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists. For many years the rear of the restaurant housed the Greyhound Bus Terminal. Closed since January of 2012, plans have been submitted to demolish the building for construction of affordable housing units.

City Hall first approved an outdoor patio for Broadway's Triple Crown Restaurant in 1977. Permit laws loosened in the 1980s, paving the way for other restaurants to construct the patios we now associate with our local favorites. In the "pre-café" days of the 1960s, dining at a full-service restaurant was a rare treat for the average family. I remember what a special occasion it was every year when our family celebrated my parent's anniversary at The Trade Winds. Each of us dressed in our Sunday best. If a fellow patron neglected to wear a sport coat the Trade Winds staff was instructed to ask, "May I lend you a dinner jacket?" For many locals of 2018, dining out is no longer a yearly or even monthly event etched in our minds. This series will focus on some of the mainstays of our local mom-and-pop full service restaurants. Each issue this year will explore a beloved establishment of yesteryear- the Ash Grove Inn, Lillian's, Lou's Luncheonette, Ma Demartino's, Mother Goldsmiths - and will finish with two remaining veterans - Pennell's and The Olde Bryan Inn.

Author’s note: “Restaurants” in this series are defined as full service, sit down meals with wait staff service.

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Settle in and be prepared to once again enter into the world of the sparkling French-paned windows of the Ashgrove Inn, the Sy Wallick lined caricatured walls of Mother Goldsmiths, and the stone covered, cavelike walls of the Trade Winds' vestibule. SS JULY/AUGUST 2018 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 191

The Spyuten Duyvil at 157 George Street faced Case Street (where the Saratoda TODAY office is located). Shortly after Fasig-Tipton purchased the property, it was demolished Photo courtesy of the George S. Bolster Collection, Saratoga History Museum

The Spuyten Duyvil WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED

“WHERE THE ELITE MEET”. WRITTEN BY CAROL GODETTE, PHOTOS PROVIDED

I HAD AN IDYLLIC EARLY CHILDHOOD living on 45 Mitchell Street in Saratoga Springs.

As a 7-year-old I looked forward to the Racing Season and all that it brought- a chance to profit from my lemonade stand in front of our house; being allowed to wander the nearby stables of Fasig-Tipton and admire the beautiful yearlings; and August evenings of people watching from our front porch. I took full advantage of the free rein my parents gave me of our neighborhood, but I have one regret. The Spuyten Duyvil- gathering spot and favorite hangout of icons of my era- was literally in my backyard and for some unknown reason, I never even peeked in the windows of the 157 George Street restaurant/bar. Phillip Roth, Andy Warhol, Fred Astaire –cultural legends I greatly admire in adulthood -were just steps away sipping cocktails and I never caught a glimpse of them. 192 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | JULY/AUGUST 2018

A 1968 Saratogian ad for the Spuyten Duyvil claims it is “Where the Elite Meet.” This wasn’t always true. My most vivid early memories of our Mitchell Street home are of drifting to sleep on sultry summer nights with the sounds of the Spuyten Duyvil’s piano bar serenading me through the screened bedroom windows. Occasionally an inebriated patron woke me up as they collapsed on our back steps, too tired to try and find their car. The restaurant had humble beginnings. Virginia Wheeler, a 1930’s Cotton Club dancer, chose to move to the eastside of Saratoga Springs from New York City at a time when few “coloreds” (the term Virginia used to describe herself) chose to do so. She spent $3,000 in a 1947 tax sale to purchase 157 George Street. It needed saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Nate sits for a short break in front of his original luncheonette at 39 Phila St. Note the sign for "Dake's delicious ice cream."

Leighla Ford Whipper was co-proprietor of the popular Spuyten Duyvil and was responsible for getting the establishment its liquor license. Craig Wilson, former reporter for the Saratogian newspaper, interviewed her for a 1977 feature. Forty years later he still recalls how much he liked Leighla. He also enjoyed the fact that the bar “was very funky, nothing pretentious."

Opened seasonally, the Spyuten Duyvil regularly placed ads in local publications to alert potential customers that they were back and ready to serve. Their customer base was tourists rather than locals.

a LOT of work. Her granddaughter offered circuit monitors free of charge to Virginia in up the name Spuyten Duyvil, a Dutch phrase both the garden area and inside at the piano meaning “In Spite of the Devil." Virginia was bar space. They wanted to ensure everyone was determined to succeed in spite of the odds aware of which hip number was about to be against her. Handymen were employed and sold in the nearby paddock. Virginia used her cooking talents to open a In the 1970s and beyond, the average restaurant. Like her friend Hattie Mosley, owner Saratogian would have a difficult time getting a of the famed “Hattie’s," Virginia initially began table at the Spyuten Duyvil. In a piece entitled serving southern fried chicken and homemade “The Hamptons on the Hoof ” New York Times biscuits Tuesday- Sundays in July and August, Style writer Guy Trebay cleverly described its along with other homemade dishes. In fact, popularity. “It was pointless to request a table she employed the same unpretentious décor unless your name happened to be Winston associated with Hattie’s-checkered tablecloths, Frederick Churchill Guest, ” he wrote. simple tables and chairs and an outdoor patio garden. Initially she did not have a liquor Author Philip Roth resided at Yaddo in the license. That soon changed after she enlisted summers of ‘62-’72. He cited the Spuyten her daughter Leighla Ford to help out during Duyvil as his favorite watering hole. “It was just the season- along with a wooden bar purchased a fun, comfortable bar …” he reported before his recent passing. from the old Grand Union Hotel. As in any restaurant’s success, location is key. Forty years after buying 157 George Street, The restaurant abutted the Fasig-Tipton sales proprietors Virginia Wheeler and Leighla Ford pavilion and once Leighla Ford obtained a sold the property to the Fasig-Tipton Company liquor license the “horsey set” began wandering for $128,000. The following year it was torn in for a drink. The place lived up to the claim down, only to be remembered by those lucky “Where the Elite Meet,” as soon as the racing set enough to have experienced it. began hanging out in Virginia’s garden and bar My regret of never witnessing this legendary area, rather than in the sales pavilion. Fasig- establishment first hand will live on. Tipton solved this problem by installing closed saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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In 2014, Impressions of Saratoga officially launched a brand called “The Dark Horse” to celebrate Saratoga’s reputation as the track where favorites are defeated by the longshot! The Dark Horse Mercantile will be opening any day now, at 445 Broadway, next to Coffee Traders. The brand and its story of believing in yourself, have been so well received that a dream of opening a store dedicated to these unexpected champions has finally been realized. The store will feature a full range of high quality gifts, sportswear, memorabilia and items for the home branded with the Dark Horse logo- and a children’s book about Upset authored by co-owner Maddy Zanetti. Saratoga, affectionately known as “the Graveyard of Champions” is the site where the legendary racehorse Man o’ War was defeated by an underdog named Upset in 1919! To honor that infamous race horse, a black miniature horse named Upset is the mascot of “The Dark Horse” brand and often makes guest appearances to meet his fans!

In Saratoga the Smart Bet is Always

The brand however goes further than just Saratoga Springs. There are many unexpected champions in the racing world and in life. The phrase “The Dark Horse” was coined back in 1831 by Benjamin Disraeli in his book called “The Young Duke” and is often used in politics, sports and life.

The Dark Horse ...even Anna knows that! photo by Cliff Oliver

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