Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Obituaries.
Roy Richard Farrell
Saratoga Springs – Roy Richard Farrell, 83 passed away July 29, 2020 surrounded by his family. Private services were held 8/5/20 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to either the Alzheimer’s Association or to cancer research. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Obituaries.
Michael J. Reardon
Ballston Spa – We are truly saddened by the untimely death of Michael J. Reardon, 52, on July 29, 2020. A graveside service will be at the St. Peter’s Cemetery on West Ave, Saratoga Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11 a.m. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com. Fly with the Angels “Mister.”
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in News.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – For the first time ever a camp dedicated to visually and hearing impaired children has gone virtual for the 2020 camp season.
Camp Abilities Saratoga is a one week educational sports camp sponsored by the Saratoga Lions Club. The camp is typically held on the campus of Skidmore College but this year, the 18 campers will participate in sporting and camp activities online.
Camp Director Tiffany Suppes discovered they would not be able to host the camp in-person this year at the end of April. Rather than cancelling for the year, Suppes and her staff created a new online camp schedule.
“Instead of not having a camp opportunity at all for our campers we decided that were going to offer a virtual experience for them. I’m excited but it will be a little different,” Suppes said.
The camp will be held from Aug. 9 to 14 and Suppes said they incorporated almost all camp activities and brought them online. For example, the campers and staff will go “live” online three times a day, allowing campers to socialize just as they would at camp.
“We will all have a chance to talk together. A lot of our campers have been coming here for years and they’ve made a lot of friends that have visual impairments as well. That’s not always the case in school for them. A lot of times they’re the only child in a school district that may have a visually impairment so it’s nice that they made these connections and friends with each other. It lets them be kids,” Suppes said.
Sporting activities will focus on the individual this year as campers will partake in yoga, strength training and pound fitness. Team building and group work will still be incorporated into camp. Campers will still be able to participate in their yearly dance party, talent show and even work together virtually to solve an escape room.
“While we focus on individual sporting events in the morning, at night we are not only doing sports but also recreational team building exercises. We tried to keep some of the core things that we love to do at camp, but just added some new things to keep them engaged and active and social,” Supper said.
Campers get to keep any equipment they were sent home with for the 2020 camp season. Those who do not have access to the internet could also rent an IPad.
Camp Abilities started in 2014 after gaining inspiration from the Camp Abilities in Brockport, NY. Suppes attended SUNY Brockport and became a graduate assistant at their camp. When Saratoga Lions wanted to start a camp, their hired Suppes as their camp director.
The primary objective of Camp Abilities Saratoga is to empower visually and hearing impaired children and teens to be physically active by way of a series of sports activities that have been professionally adapted to their abilities. Another objective of the camp is to provide “real life” hands-on experience for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing the field of physical education, as well as active
teaching professionals from the field of adaptive sports.
Camp Abilities can be reached by calling 518-290-7050 or email info@campabilitiessaratoga.org. Their website can be access atcampabilitiessaratoga.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CampAbilitiesSaratoga/.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Business.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Winner's Circle.
Kimberly Weir still remembers the date from earlier this year: January 23. She was waiting in the Albany International Airport for her Florida flight so she could attend the Pegasus Invitational and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly-built barn as part of the horse-care program at the Juvenile Justice Center in Ocala.
While waiting, she received a call from Anita Graham, the wife of trainer H. Graham Motion and Executive Director for the Pastures of Point Lookout in Chadds Ford, Pa., about the plans of well-known American artist Jamie Wyeth adopting 10 retired Thoroughbreds to put on his 250-acre farm in honor of his late wife Phyllis Mills Wyeth, owner of 2012 Belmont Stakes winner Union Rags who also won the Saratoga Special and Champagne Stakes as a 2-year-old.
Six months later through a COVID-19 pandemic, those 10 horses from the Wallkill Correctional Facility who were part of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program were loaded on a Brook Ledge trailer for the farm. Those horses, ranging from age 11 to 23, raced at least once in their life, including Vow who finished behind multiple graded stakes winner Narjan in an allowance race at Saratoga Race Course in 2002.
“It seemed too good to be true, but this was not,” Weir said. “We were in awe. They are really there now. It’s wonderful and amazing. You cannot make up this stuff. It wasn’t Herculean. Somebody wanted to do this. It was all in baby steps and following through. Mr. Wyeth is a role model.”
Just like with each retired racehorse has his or her own story, Weir has a lot of stories and experiences that drives her energy, enthusiasm, and creativity as Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation since May 2018.
With an M.B.A. from William and Mary, Weir spent numerous years in the private sector. At the same time, she spent most of her life around horses, especially as an equestrian rider. Weir believes she has learned a lot from the horses as they have played an integral part of her life and vision in thoroughbred aftercare.
“These creatures made me who I am today,” she said. “I am fundamentally, profoundly and completely aware of how much I have learned growing up with these creatures. I am excited to be in this role and in the industry of thoroughbred aftercare. As a part of a community, I can help solve this.
“Every racehorse that is born could have a life of happy health care,” she added. “It’s not a luxury. Civilization owes so much to them as well. Our human race wouldn’t be here without them. They have been so important to us and they deserve it. Their magic, value and impact are huge. They are unlike any other creature.”
Two horses who have made their return to the Bloomfield Farm in Saratoga Springs for the summer are Bold Mon and Uptown Joey. Recently, Bold Mon was featured on Steve Caparizzo’s regular segment “Pet Connection” – or “Horse Connection” – on WTEN-10. Weir is hoping that exposure will allow the former Richard Schosberg-trainee become adopted.
“These two are really good examples of adoptable horses for the right situation,” she said. “They’re pets. They’re friendly. They don’t need much, but they love to be loved. We find it hard to believe [Bold Mon] won’t go this summer because he is such a sweetheart. During the filming, he was playing around with the cameraman by putting his nose up to the lens.”
If either horse is adopted, it helps the Adopt One, Save Two program: each time a horse is adopted, there is space for two horses to take into the Thoroughbred aftercare. That has become crucial for anyone who can no longer care for the retired racehorse due to hardships, especially this year due to COVID-19.
“People love their horses,” Weir said. “The first thing they give up is dinner, then they give up their car, then they don’t buy any clothes. At some point, they will call us to give up their horse. I think it will happen this winter, perhaps starting in October with the grain bills and the hay bills.”
Weir said the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has been fortunate this year through the COVID-19 pandemic with the amount of support, donations and sponsors. At the same time, she also has long-term concerns going into the winter due to the uncertainty and lack of events.
“Everyone is asking us if we are OK and people continue to give,” she said. “People have responded by doubling down. We are totally fine this year. I am super terrified for next year. We don’t know what the winter will be. It is all about saving for the long winter ahead. We are looking at the long term and making sure that we are the most sustainable as we can.”
One of the areas that Weir is looking at sustainability is the Sanctuary Guardian program, which allows anyone to make a monthly donation as fundraising can be inconsistent and cyclical while expenses are consistent.
“If someone is giving $10 a month, that’s $120 a year,” Weir said. “To know that it’s coming every month, that is flattening the curve because fundraising is erratic and the expenses are static. It’s just like any seasonal business.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has put a limitation on gatherings and events, Weir has become creative with social events. One of those is the TRF Drive-Thru BBQ at the Saratoga Winery on Aug. 11.
Along with pre-order carry-out dinners that include pulled pork and chicken, as well as choices for pie as dessert, people can drive through a greeting from racing personalities that include Maggie Wolfendale-Morley, Ramon Dominguez, Tom Durkin and Peter Thomas Fornatale. The deadline for preorders is Aug. 7 at noon.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Entertainment.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Beatles and The Stones. Elvis to Metallica. Kiss to Dolly Parton, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Alice Cooper to The Who. There’s something for most everyone to see and interactively experience at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibition, which opened this week at Universal Preservation Hall. The show runs through late September.
Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball beginning Sunday, July 26 for a two-month run. The interactive exhibit showcases rock-themed, playable pinball machines and combines them with merchandise and artifacts to explore the artistic portrayal of artists and bands.
On display are 16 playable rock ‘n’ roll themed pinball machines in all, in addition to an assortment of music artifacts on display hailing from the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
A “Tommy” pinball machine – owing a nod to the Who and the group’s opus Tommy is here, as is group guitarist Pete Townshend’s acoustic guitar – which he used to compose “Pinball Wizard” and several other songs for the ’Tommy,’ album, and which fortunately he did not smash.
Making its debut as part of the exhibit is Alice Cooper’s new pinball machine – “Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle,” a horror adventure game narrated by Cooper himself and featuring songs spanning Cooper’s career. The pinball machine is joined by the exhibit of the Alice Cooper group’s original electric chair show prop, upon which the band’s singer sat and performed on stages across the world in 1971.
Additional items on display include Peter Criss of KISS’ drum set, Dolly Parton’s dress, memorabilia connected to the early days of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley, as well as a metallic ode tracing their legend to Metallica and Judas Priest.
As for the pinball machines, which are playable, they deliver the bings, bongs, and dual flipper action polyrhythms associated with the likes of Elton John, KISS, AC/DC and others.
UPH, a partner in the Proctors Collaborative, will sell tickets for 90-minute blocks throughout the run. Tickets will be available for admittance at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day and hours will be extended to include 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. admittance on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The event concludes on Saturday, Sept. 26. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and are available now at universalpreservationhall.org.
“Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball,” is presented at UPH by Adirondack Trust Company.
UPH will follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention and New York State safety guidelines in establishing safety protocol for exhibit visitors. Each visitor, staff person and volunteer will be required to bring and wear a face mask and to wear provided gloves while playing the pinball machines. All individuals will also be required to maintaining proper social distancing. UPH staff will also take and record each individual’s temperature and procure proper tracing information, and sanitize all surfaces including handrails, light switches, elevators, exhibit pieces, restrooms and common surfaces before new groups are admitted. Capacity will be initially limited to 20 guests per time slot and will re-evaluated regularly.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Entertainment.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Aug. 1, the public will be able to visit The Arts Center Gallery at Saratoga Arts, which has been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first show presented to the public in its physical form after such a lengthy hiatus was selected in support of Black Lives Matter and racial equity in the arts.
“We want to provide a platform in this crucial moment in history to celebrate the artistic achievements and lift the voices of Artists of Color in New York’s Capital Region,” reads a statement issued by the organization.
Covid-19 social distancing protocols will be in place. Guests will be required to wear a mask to enter our space. Guests will also be required to sign in and sanitize their hands upon arrival. No public restrooms will be available.
Note that besides Saturday, Aug. 1 for the first day of the Black + Indigenous ARTISTS of Color Matter! pop up exhibition – which runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – the gallery will be open 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The gallery at Saratoga Arts is located at 320 Broadway.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Entertainment.
BALLSTON SPA – In accordance with New York State safety protocols, the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association will present a series of free summer events this month.
The Concerts in the Park Series will present concerts on Aug. 6 (Union Fire Company Band), Aug. 13 (The Lustre Kings), Aug. 20 (The Bluebillies) and Aug. 27 (Ballston Spa Community Band). Concerts will be held from 6-8 p.m. outside in Lions Music Park at the historic Iron Spring Park on Front Street.
The free outdoor Movies in the Park will screen the animated films “Abominable” on Aug. 7 and “Toy Story 4” on Sept. 4. Movies are shown in Wiswall Park on Front Street at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.). Rain dates are the following Saturday evening.
These events are contingent on public gathering restrictions currently in place. Social distancing measures, face masks and limited capacity in the parks for concert and movie spectators are required and will be followed. Event safety plans are posted on the concert and movie webpages on the BSBPA’s website, Ballston.org.
The Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market continues to be held Thursdays from 3-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Wiswall Park through the end of September. Vendors are properly spaced; masks are required for vendors and customers and social distancing is implemented.
Hand sanitizer will be available to the public at all events.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Entertainment.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Haute Messes in Dresses, launched last year by personal shoppers and stylists Nicole Nicholas and Randi Poillon, is hosting Make Chic Happen. The outdoor fashion show will showcase a collection of wardrobe staples to dress up or dress down any outfit for work or social event. Saratoga boutiques featured include: Lola, Yellow Boutique, Violet’s and Piper.
Space is limited due to COVID-19 guidelines and regulations. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at www.hautemessesindresses.com. Price includes admission, a custom designed graphic tee and signature cocktail provided by The Palette Café. Haute Messes in Dresses offers custom graphic pieces for purchase and will be available at its pop-up shop on location.
The event takes place 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 at 493 Broadway – The Palette Café – outdoors.
Written by Marisa Scirocco on . Posted in Entertainment.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Indie Folk and soul singer-songwriter Leah Woods recognized by NPR as one of the Top Entries to the 2020 Tiny Desk Contest.
Woods, who is from Saratoga Springs, was selected by Tarik Moody, Director of Digital Strategy and on-air music host, for feature on NPR’s “Top Shelf” a unique online concert series dedicated to presenting hand -picked artists through a lens that most viewers have never experienced before. Over 900 performances have been streamed on their page, gathering millions of views from all around the world.
“I felt honored to be selected for the top shelf series,” said Woods. “I went into the contest thinking ‘well why not, it can only help’ but I never thought my submission would truly stand out like this. When I found out I was selected, I couldn’t stop smiling. At the same time there is so much happening in the world that it’s hard to fully appreciate something like this. I keep listening to those around me and striving for change, hoping that more
listeners will help me spread ideas of love and equality, to heal the world and make it a safer place for all.”
Leah Woods’ music is found on Spotify, Youtube, & Apple Music, and her performance may be viewed at: youtube.com/watch?v=H-Xo9ZyZyiA
