My New Neighborhood Looks Strangely Like the Old One…

SKIES ABOVE SARATOGA —Once again, good day ladies and gents, and thank you for flying PULSE Airways… this is your Captain speaking. Delighted to be at the controls again. We anticipate a smooth arrival at our destination – the Saratoga Season. In the meantime, I have turned on the fasten seat belt sign, as we will have to do some navigation to get through to it, which may involve some twists and turns, to wit: An Idea Who’s Time Has Come! SARATOGA SPRINGS — Every good weekend starts with a great Happy Hour, and on Thursday July 21, Chef Brian Maxwell and Bartender Jai Silva will host The Crown Grill’s “Make Your Own” Happy Hour. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests will be presented with two specialty cocktail options to choose from along with a demonstration of how each cocktail is created. In addition, “Make your own” flatbreads will be offered to pair with these cocktails. Each guest will receive two flatbreads and have an assortment of signature toppings to choose from (fresh mozzarella, artichoke hearts, arugula, heirloom tomatoes, Andouille sausage, and many more) with which they can make their own creations. This is an interactive and informative session featuring feedback and suggestions by the Chef. Cost to attend “Make your own happy hour” is $10 per guest and includes one cocktail, two flatbreads and an assortment of fresh toppings. Signing up via email is recommended (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) but drop-ins are also welcome. Wear your own “Crown” at 390 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Jake’s Wheel: Part Two. Finest Fillies and Some Colts SARATOGA SPRINGS — It’s lunchtime, and it appears I may need to order a plate of crow. Yes, those who read my missive on Post Positions 1-4 last week will know doubt remember that I singled out PP 3 for last place honors… however, we must be fair and note that the Colt 45 boys Michael Billok and Todd Shimkus pulled off a superior fundraising event, with less-than-superior beverages, and rung the bell to the tune of 1,600 smackers to benefit Jake’s Help From Heaven – stamping them, according to my co-conspirators – Heather and Brian Straughter – as contenders, and I must agree. Furthermore, I must salute Mr. Michael for being too nice of a guy to be any kind of success as a lawyer, and Mr. Todd for being merely the best Chamber of Commerce President – anywhere - I have ever met – and this hobo has ridden the rails, as it were. Good thing it tastes like chicken…. But I digress: Herewith are thumbnails of the remaining posts 5-9; and in this case I am only familiar with one team – so I relied on Heather and Brian for some background, as well as inviting some of the teams to submit a mission statement. Everyone in the pool! PP 5: Johanna Friedman, trained by Julie Cox. These ‘hulks’ intend to take all to school – as they are equipped to do as SSHS faculty. Johanna is the only original filly running. Trainer Julie says: “Get your pencils ready, kids. It’s time for class, and English teachers Johanna and Julie are primed to school the competition! This is Johanna’s fifth year as a Filly (winning once before), and with rookie trainer Julie they have an A+ combination of experience and enthusiasm.” PP 6: Michael Hoffman, trained by Susana Hoffman. “I’ve had this colt in training for 45 years,” says Susana with pride. Indeed, this pairing is not the only husband/wife team on the board, but certainly the most seasoned. They have always supported each other in business as well as life, not to mention the raising of their only child, a fine individual known as Heather, although on Wednesday, July 20, she will be known as ‘Vanna.’ Sometimes luck is the result of good planning, which appears to be the case here. PP 7: Justin Hogan, trained by Steph Cash Hogan. The second of two husband/wife pairings - and winner of PULSE’s best team photo prize. To make a good soufflé you start with the best ingredients, and this principle seems in effect here. Steph writes: “We’re two first time starters, but I’ve been training colt Justin Hogan for years now. A Saratoga Springs native, I’m ready to push him to his full potential through every furlong.” My only concern with this entry is that Justin may feel compelled to be overly ethical, which has NO place in this field. But, combining Justin’s work ethic mixed with overall steadiness and Stephanie’s young energy they are sure to be a crowd favorite on race day. PP 8: Natalie Sillery, Trained by Elaine Sillery – No statement needed to be issued from this pair – their record speaks for itself. Keyword: winners. In life, in everything they do. If that is not enough, Natalie steps down as a multi-year MC of this same event, deferring to Mr. Tom Durkin – but make no mistake: she’s still holding the keys to the Rolls Royce that is Finest Fillies. With trainer Elaine, possessor of a top-5 all-time smile, it all adds up to a formidable force from an outside post. Major contender for both the money pledged and game title. PP 9: Erin Smith, trained by Tammy Haarman – They call their team the ‘Average Joes’ but I think they are looking to lull the field to sleep. Erin does reveal: “The Average Joes will bring the fun to Vapor! I have 3 boys and Tammy has 3 girls. A modern day Brady Bunch!” Well, I know which team my mom is betting on! So there you have it. A power line-up for Wednesday, July 20th’s event at Vapor – 7 p.m. is when the wheel starts spinning. For every $10 bet placed, you are entered for a raffle that will be pulled after the game. The prizes include: - A two-night stay at the Intercontinental Barclay in Manhattan with breakfast - An overnight at the Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, ME - An overnight at the Sheraton Syracuse University with two tickets to either a SU basketball or football game - A Lisa Miller “The Foal Project” photo. Also, everyone who registers by July 20 at noon will be entered to win a day at the track on September 4, with a private box and gift certificate for Sperry’s – Donated by Scott and Julie Johnson. Visit JakesHelpFromHeaven.org to get tickets. For fun alone, this is PULSE’s pick as the do-not-miss event of the season. But let’s remember the reasons why ALL these PP’s are winners: Since 2011, the JHFH Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grants to those living with multiple medical challenges within 100 miles of Saratoga Springs; and have already awarded over $65,000 this year. RIDE-ing Into Town SARATOGA SPRINGS — Marc Berger and RIDE(at right) will be rockin’ Congress Park this Sunday, July 17 at 7 p.m. Marc has performed at Austin’s SXSW Music Festival, the Kerrville Folk Festival, has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts, and will be showcasing at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival next month. His song “The Last One” was a staple of Richie Havens’ concerts for over twenty-five years. Marc’s critically acclaimed current release, RIDE, is a collection of songs that explore the romance of the American West. It’s gotten national airplay and terrific reviews and Starbucks has licensed it for worldwide in-store airplay. You can hear tracks at marcbergermusic.com. He’s also currently in the studio working on a new album with Tony Garnier, Bob Dylan’s bandleader and bassist, and drummer, Dan Rieser (Norah Jones, Roseanne Cash). It’s a genre-bending project called FOLK MUSIC, and the band will be previewing some of that material in combination with RIDE’s sonic Western vistas on Sunday night. Based on what I’ve heard before, you should bring your dancin’ shoes... We Advocate… SARATOGA SPRINGS — There will be more on this next week, but we advocate you make plans to celebrate those who advocate for horses – and to attend the 15th Annual Equine Advocates Awards Dinner and Charity Auction on Friday, July 29, at 6 p.m. at the Canfield Casino. The honorees will be legendary Trainer Jonathan Sheppard as well as Steve and Lisa Caporizzo. Numerous tantalizing auction items abound, including Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup packages – PULSE likes the meet and greet with Kelly Ripa, a big fan of Saratoga TODAY. Tickets always gallop out fast, so get yours by calling 518-392-0175. Gonna Get Pretty ScaryToga Friday SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Friday, July 15, the Bow Tie Criterion Cinema in Downtown Saratoga Springs is the place to be for the Ghostbuster Premiere and public launch of The ScaryToga Project. ScaryToga Project will be hosting the premier showing of the new Ghostbusters. Meet and greet local Psychics Michelle Ann, Katie Manning Hilton, author Mason Winfield and a hometown all girl ghost investigators SPRT (Saratoga Paranormal Research Team). This mini-ParaPalooza runs 5 to 7 p.m. in the Lobby and out front of the Bow Tie, complete with Carriages, The Costumer Hearse, and that Real Lady Ghostbuster Team. Film showing begins at 7 p.m. No word on the Sta-Puff Marshmallow Man’s whereabouts at press time. I Got Chills, they’re Multiplying… SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Children’s Theatre announces live performances of Grease at the JBK (Janet Kinghorn Bernhard) Theater, Skidmore College on Friday July 22 and Saturday July 23, at 1 and 7 p.m. Local teens, ranging in age from 13-18 will be starring in the musical. All tickets are sold at the door - General admission is $10. Kids 10 and under are FREE. Refreshments will be available. Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’”, “It’s Raining on Prom Night”, “Alone at the Drive-In Movie” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals along with innumerable school and community productions place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals. For more information, visit the saratogachildrenstheatre.org. Ladies and Gentlemen: Your Captain again. We have received clearance for final approach for the Saratoga Season. Thanks again for flying PULSE Airways, and wherever you go – have a blast!