Saratoga Today 6-29

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Volume 7 • Issue 26 saratogatodaynewspaper.com

The Natural Local Fighter Makes Professional Debut This Weekend by Andrew Marshall Saratoga TODAY

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MALTA – It’s not very often that a fighter of any discipline makes the transition from amateur to professional after a single bout. Then again, Lenny Baker isn’t your typical mixed martial artist. The 31-year-old former Warrensburg High School wrestling standout and Division III collegiate national champion competed in his first amateur mixed

martial arts (MMA) bout after training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to prepare. The training paid off during the event in late January, as he defeated his opponent by knockout in under a minute into the first round. That result, mixed with his freestyle wrestling background, was enough for Baker to sign a multi-fight contract with the New Jersey-based Caged Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) in April. Just two months later, Baker is set to

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Lenny Baker

Enjoy the Fourth of July in downtown Saratoga Springs during the All-American Celebration. See page 25 for a full schedule of events.

Thousands Expected at SPAC for Jazz Celebration by Daniel Schechtman Saratoga TODAY SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts the 35th annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Saturday, June 30 – Sunday, July 1, bringing together some of the biggest names in jazz to the twoday, two-stage festival. This year features a star-studded lineup, including performances by

Diana Krall, Chris Botti, Esperanza Spalding, Trombone Shorty, Maceo Parker, the Yellowjackets, Hiromi, Christian McBride and more. As one of the longest-running jazz celebrations in the world, the festival draws nearly 15,000 people to the region each year. See page 24 to learn more about this year’s performers and schedule.

Inside TODAY... Wilton Plans Ahead pg 5 Education

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Franklin Community Center pg 13 Socially Speaking pg 15 Saratoga Transparency Website pg 16

See Freihofer’s page 24

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