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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival “Stay Home Sessions” June 26-28

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Absolutely Live Entertainment, in partnership with Caffè Lena announce “Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Stay Home Sessions,” presented in lieu of the 2020 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, previously cancelled by SPAC due to health and safety concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Headlined by national artists Jon Batiste, Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, and Pedrito Martinez, Jazz Fest Stay Home Sessions will also feature acclaimed local musicians Chuck Lamb & Jorge Gomez, Garland Nelson’s “Reflections: A Motown Tribute Ensemble” and the Skidmore Jazz Institute Alumni Trio. 

The series of streamed concerts – which start at 8 p.m. on June 26, 27 and 28, will feature produced videos from the national artists alongside performances from Lena’s stage from local ensembles. The festival will be free to experience and hosted through Caffè Lena’s “Stay Home Sessions” YouTube platform. 

For safety and social distancing purposes, Caffè Lena will remain closed to everyone except essential personnel and musicians. Content will be pre-recorded adhering to CDC guidelines. 

Freihofer’s Jazz Fest
Stay Home Sessions Line-Up:

Friday, June 26: 
Pedrito Martinez; Chuck Lamb & Jorge Gomez 

Saturday, June 27: 
Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn; Skidmore Jazz Institute Alumni Trio

Sunday, June 28: 
Jon Batiste; Garland Nelson’s “Reflections: A Motown Tribute Ensemble”

For more information about the festival, visit SPAC.org

Firecracker4 to Go Virtual for 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With the continued realities of social distancing stemming from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), officials at Saratoga Springs’ Firecreacker4 Road Race today announced that the 14th edition’s in-person events on Saturday, July 4 has been cancelled and a Virtual 4-Mile option offered to those interested.

The Firecracker4 is offering three options to the participants who have already registered:
1) Switch to the Virtual 4-Mile 2) Donate their race entry fee to the event’s charity partners (and receive a commemorative 2020 race t-shirt), or 3) defer to the 2021 event at no additional charge. 

“Over the last 14 years this event has become an Independence Day tradition in the Capital Region and one of the largest 4th of July road races in the US.  We understand how much this event means not only to the runners, but also the city of Saratoga Springs and the charities we help support,” said Event Director Patrick Lynskey.  “However, our number one priority is always the health and well-being of our community, including runners, volunteers, sponsors, police, fire and city staff. Even though New York state is starting to open up, it is clear that there are just too many unknows to gather thousands of people in close quarters on July 4th.”

Lynskey added: “due to the popularity of the Firecracker4 and generosity of our participants we have been able to donate more than $300,000 to local charities over the years and we hope this year will be no different.  As a result, we will offer a Virtual Firecracker4 4-Mile run for those who would like to participate.  Our Virtual 4-Mile run is a great way for runners to continue their Independence Day running or walking tradition and accomplish a personal goal, while supporting the event’s local charities — The Veterans Business Council Scholarship Program, Pitney Meadows Community Farm Trails Project, The Streaks Running Club Inc,  Racing City Running Club and The Children’s Museum at Saratoga.”

Those interested in signing up for the Virtual 4-Mile run can do so online through Sunday, June 7 at midnight. Registration is $30 and there will be no further price increases. All Virtual 4-Mile participants will receive a 14th annual virtual Firecracker4 soft tech t-shirt, a bib and finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home, and a commemorative finishers’ medal. These items will be mailed to participants by July 4. 

Virtual 4-Mile participants will be asked to complete a four-mile run by themselves following CDC and New York state-mandated social distancing guidelines between Sunday, June 28 at 6 a.m. through Saturday, July 11 at 11 p.m. 

“You can run your four miles anywhere.  If you have a four-mile route in your neighborhood, you can run on that course and it will count,” said Lynskey, adding that all participants will receive an email with detailed instructions a few days before the start date. “We will provide links on our website to several local certified four-mile courses that can be used to complete the virtual run, as well as some suggestions for other areas such as the Zim Smith Trail or Corning Preserve that will work.  Once participants complete their four-mile run, they will be asked to submit their times via the link provided to them along with a photo of their watch/GPS/RaceJoy results. All times must be submitted by Saturday, July 11 at 11 p.m. Results will then be compiled and posted online at firecracker4.com.

“The focus of our virtual runs isn’t about winning,” added Lynskey. “It’s about staying active, celebrating our strengths and supporting our local community.  So, while we will not be gathering en-masse this July 4th at the City Center for that big start down Broadway and post-race party, we can all run or walk four miles wherever we are and help others in the process and that is something to feel good about.”

All participants in the Virtual 4-Mile will be entered to win various giveaways from area merchants and sponsors. Prizes include gift certificates, swag from Michelob Ultra, 30min sessions in the Normatech Recovery Room and foot massage gift certificates courtesy of Fleet Feet Sports, Power Surge protein butters from Power House Athletics and an array of other products or services.

“We will be creating packages full of great stuff that runners want, need and will love and will be doing weekly drawings starting in early June. We are enthusiastic about making the best of it and hope people will join us.” 

Property Transactions: June 13 – June 19, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON SPA

68 Ballston Ave., $235,000.
Mark and Carlo Kelly sold property to Allison Keib.

37 Woodside Dr., $399,000.
Matthew and Debra Hathaway sold property to Kevin, Amanda, Brian and Nancy Simpson.

17 Pasture Place, $279,000.
Rosetti Acquisitions LLC sold property to Ronald White. 

CHARLTON

2 Meadow Lane, $232,500.
Richard Solosky and Shawn Van sold property to Megan Allen.

10 Pine Hollow Dr., $125,000.
Garry Heflin sold property to Heflin Builders Inc. 

10 Pine Hollow Dr., $407,400.
Heflin Builders Inc. sold property to Conor Maloney and Chelsea Craig.

1581 Division St., $231,000.
Donald and Deborah Baldwin sold property to Brandon Bell.

0 Division St., $18,750.
Gerald Arey sold property to J and J Upstate Construction LLC. 

256 Lapp Rd., $334,000.
Kenneth and Susan Kimball sold property to David and Valerie Wilson.

520 Charlton Rd., $300,000.
David and Kimberly Skinner sold property to Christopher and Justyna Delprado.

CLIFTON PARK

4 Tamarack Lane, $243,800.
Joseph Galluppi and Monica Pedioletto sold property to Timothy Lake and Kathryn McLelland Lake.

8 Lincoln Ave., $21,500.
Keith and Therese Jordan sold property to Tristan and Jacquelyn Blickfeld.

48 Spruce St., $335,000.
Vladimir and Emira Shirokov sold property to Nicholas and Irina Polsinelli.

17 Denhelder Dr., $429,000.
ER Land Development LLC sold property to Thomas and Melissa Tiberio.

18 Denhelder Dr., $527,886.
ER Land Development LLC sold property to Joseph and Christina Natuzzi.

37 Castle Pines, $400,000.
Gerardo Rocha Galicia sold property to Sidney Newbold and Andrea Palerino. 

4109 Foxwood Dr. S., $150,000.
Joseph Rando sold property to Barbara Patterson. 

10A Woodbine Dr., $185,000.
Andrew Heffner sold property to Diane Carpenter.

747 Plank Rd., $224,500.
Ryan Brown sold property to Georgina Russo.

CORINTH

118 Lemont Ave., $159,000.
John and Sharon Hurley sold property to Katelyn and Ricky Tennant, Jr. 

GALWAY

Old Mill Rd., $76,000.
Gary Kalinkewicz and Sharyn Kalinkewicz sold property to Stephanie Burns. 

HALFMOON

68 Cemetery Rd., $140,000.
John Rucinski sold property to Bruce Tanski.

9 Domenica Dr., $285,000.
Gerald and Naomi Crola sold property to Isak and Melanie Kallman.

10 Highway Way, $328,000.
Thomas Hamilton (as Trustee) sold property to Gregory and Deborah McCann. 

23C Macoun Dr., $333,430.
Malta Land Company LLC sold property to Alexandra Valle Wagner.

18 Fairview Lane, $489,900.
Andrew and Francesca McCann sold property to National Transfer Services LLC. 

18 Fairview Lane, $489,900.
National Transfer Services LLC sold property to Disha and Joshua Spath. 

12 Hearthstone Dr., $105,000.
Abele Builders Inc. sold property to Abele Homes LLC.

12 Hearthstone Dr., $410,011.
Abele Homes LLC sold property to Raymond and Debra Parafinczuk.

542 Hudson River Rd., $126,000.
Eric Vandenburgh sold property to Daniel and Leann Cook.

17 Stuart Dr., $480,000.
Weihong Gao and Yian Liu sold property to Ryan and Amanda Keleher.

71 Willowbrook Terrace, $375,000.
Zhiguo Sun and Xiaohuan Zhou sold property to James Moran.

MALTA

14 Wineberry Lane, $230,000.
Padraig and Katie Timoney sold property to Steven Backus and Taylor Mancini. 

24 George Ave., $261,450.
Boscott LLC sold property to Sean Rowe and Amanda Whitfield. 

16 Weston Way, $364,912.
Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Joanne Sastri.

17 Saratoga Farm Rd., $1,300,000.
Serge Dupuis (by Atty) and Anne Marie Rose (by Atty) sold property to Sara Bott. 

MILTON

202 Whitetail Court, $133,800.
Wells Fargo Bank sold property to Eric Adams. 

4 Back Stop Lane, $340,000.
Shawn and Melissa Olmsted sold property to Kim Gillespie.

218 West Milton Rd., $280,000.
Chad and Jennifer Hickok sold property to Charles and Martha Rydzak.

MOREAU

11 Oakwood Dr., $264,500.
Bruce and Michele Ostrander sold property to Joseph and Ashley Pulsoni.

303 Old West Rd., $139,000.
Ashley and Joseph Pulsoni sold property to Christopher Hayes.

8 Markwood Parkway, $194,000.
Karen Tomasovic sold property to Shelby Gauthier. 

130 Hudson Ave., $152,500.
Deborah Dana (as Successor, Co-Trustee and Agent) and Rena Powhida (as Successor, Co-Trustee and Agent) sold property to Seth Johnson.

36 Pheasant Way, $325,000.
Blake and Stacey Naranjo sold property to Andrew Graves and Holly Klingbeil.

109 Old Bend Rd., $292,985.
Cerrone Construction LLC sold property to Lori Lopez Hammond. 

28 Van Buren St., $166,800.
Marie Dickinson (by Atty) sold property to Michael and Heidi Jiguere.

36 Wynefield Dr., $243,800.
Silvana Bonesteel sold property to Cahill and Jennifer Buytler. 

NORTHUMBERLAND

4746 Route 50, $205,000.
James and Lorri Zarro sold property to Colin and Heather Hannon.

1902 Route 32N, $162,000.
Christine Dishon sold property to Julie Decker.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

179 Swamp Rd., $355,000.
Christian and Bridget Babcock sold property to Ryan and Jami Walker.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

13 Jenna Jo Ave., Lot 117, $195,000.
Oak Ridge Development LLC sold property to Nicholas Chauvin.

5 Pamela Lane, $480,000.
Iljung Park and Kim Minjung sold property to NP Dodge, Jr., (as Trustee)

5 Pamela Lane, $480,000.
NP Dodge, Jr. (as Trustee) sold property to Ian Zapp and Jennifer Savino.

1312 Route 9P, $8,950.
Terri and Glen Lavender and Cyndi Walter sold property to Raymond Rysedorph, III. 

52 Curt Blvd, $144,301.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development sold property to Adam Cox. 

2 Michael Dr., $235,000.
Walter Read sold property to Brady Boyer.

UniFirst Corporation Partners with Chamber of Commerce to Donate 10,000 Protective Face Masks to Local Businesses

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and work-wear programs gives back to small business community in support of economy reopening.

The UniFirst Corporation is partnering with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce to donate 10,000 protective facemasks to local businesses in need, as part of a company-wide initiative to support the small business community. 

UniFirst General Manager Keith Plummer partnered with Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus and Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Communications Richard Snyder.

As state shutdowns are lifted and the economy begins to reopen, many small business owners, the everyday heroes on the front lines of the recovery, are struggling to source and provide their staff with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) required to meet government guidelines.

The donation is part of a company-wide initiative to support business revitalization in UniFirst markets around the country, prioritizing regions where resources are not as readily available.

Marylou Whitney Collection Auction to Benefit Saratoga Backstretch Clinic Goes Online

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — From diamonds to denim, tchotchkes to chic couture.  The Marylou Whitney Collection Auction – which went online for viewing June 17 – offers diverse items from the philanthropic icon who was known as the Queen of Saratoga.

 The auction benefits the new building that will be the future home of the backstretch medical clinic operated at Saratoga Race Course by Saratoga Hospital and the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

Special items include a diamond choker necklace that was a birthday gift to Whitney from her husband John Hendrickson, and her pristine 1985 red Jaguar XJ6.  Other featured items include designer evening gowns; couture ensembles and cocktail dresses by Bill Blass, Arnold Scassi, and Chanel; evening purses by Judith Lieber Couture and Chanel; fur coats; hats; vintage dresses; and designer scarves by Hermès and Tiffany. Many very affordable and practical items, such as costume jewelry, casual attire, hats, coats, scarves, memorabilia, and furniture, are also offered.

Hendrickson developed the concept of sharing Whitney’s worldly possessions with others, while helping two charitable entities. He donated approximately 1500 pieces that have been photographed and categorized for the auction.

“As I began the difficult task of going through Marylou’s personal items at each of our homes, she seemed to speak to me,” Hendrickson said in a statement. “No one shared her blessings and good fortune more than Marylou. No one was more dedicated to helping charities than Marylou…and so the idea was born. Her spirit of giving will live on—Marylou’s personal items are going for a greater good.”

The website, www.MarylouWhitneyCollection.com, debuted Wednesday, June 17 for preview only, via a link to the auction site.  The auction action begins Monday, July 27, at midnight, and continues through Saturday, August 1, at 11.59 p.m. – Whitney Day at Saratoga Race Course. Bidding and “Buy It Now” options will be available.

NYRA, Saratoga Springs Launch Saratoga Face Mask Campaign to Benefit Franklin Community Center, Shelters Of Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A limited edition set of Saratoga Race Course-branded face masks have been made available to help raise funds for Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the city of Saratoga Springs launched the joint initiative June 15. 

The Saratoga reusable cloth face masks come in a variety pack featuring three individual designs: a red mask with a white Saratoga logo; a white mask with a red Saratoga logo; and a navy-blue mask with a red Saratoga logo. The masks include a white border and stretchable elastic ear straps with an interior pocket for a replaceable filter.

The three-pack is available for preorder for $24.95 at Shop.NYRA.com. The masks are for personal use only, and not a replacement for medical grade personal protective equipment.

A portion of proceeds will be donated in equal allotments to support the efforts of two Saratoga Springs-based non-profit organizations: Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga, which provide food, shelter and other critical resources to the community.

Franklin Community Center is a non-profit human service agency that has provided basic necessities and services to individuals and families in Saratoga Springs for more than 25 years. The Center serves more than 6,000 people annually through a variety of programs, including a food pantry, afterschool prevention, and safe and affordable housing.

 “With our resources stretched and funding in jeopardy, the number of people relying on our services continues to skyrocket,” said Franklin Community Center Executive Director Kari Cushing, during a press conference outside the Union Avenue entrance of the Saratoga Race Course on June 15. She said since the start of the pandemic, there has been a large number of people going to the food pantry for the first time in their lives. 

‘The funding received from this program will enable us to continue to focus on maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the individuals and families we serve by providing them with the basic necessities and services they require to get through these difficult times.” 

“We’re living through a pandemic and facing uncertain times. Can you imagine not having a home at this time?” said Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Karen Gregory. ‘We thank NYRA and the City for not forgetting our most vulnerable community members. Their commitment to humanity means the world to us at Shelters of Saratoga.”

City News: June 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

City’s State of Emergency Expired

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City’s State of Emergency expired Friday, June 12, and per the recommendation of the City Emergency Management Committee, Mayor Meg Kelly decided not to extend it for another period of time.

Plans to Reopen City Hall in July

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The schedule for moving employees into City Hall is set and should be completed during the week of June 29. 

Plans call for the July 7 City Council meeting to be held in-person, and open for the public to attend.

City Hall closed in the aftermath of a lightning strike and flood which badly damaged the building in August 2018. The building, which was constructed in 1871, has undergone a massive, multi-million dollar renovation. Most of city government was relocated to the Vanderbilt Avenue recreation facility, and following the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, city meetings have been held via Zoom. 

At City Hall, there will be maximum occupancy limitations and access and safety protocols that will shortly be announced, the city says. 

It is anticipated City Hall offices will re-open to the public by mid-July. 

New City Firehouse Seeks Design Services Bids

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs will receive sealed bids for Proposed Firehouse #3 – Design Services. Sealed bids must be received in their entirety by the City of Saratoga Springs, Office of the Commissioner of Accounts, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, by 2 p.m. on Thursday July 2. Copies of the request for proposal (RFP) may be obtained on the City’s web page at www.saratoga-springs.org, under current bids. 

DMV Opens Two Offices in Saratoga County

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County DMV will offer limited in-person appointments to Saratoga County residents. At this time, all appointments will be scheduled at the Ballston Spa and Clifton Park locations only.

The Wilton DMV office will remain closed to the public until restrictions on interior mall stores are lifted. 

Customers who previously had appointments with Saratoga County DMV have been contacted and given priority appointments.

The Saratoga County DMV is reopening with social distancing protocols in place. Staff will wear appropriate PPE and follow social distancing protocols. Customers must wear masks and follow all social distancing protocols. Only the individual needed to complete the transaction is allowed into the building unless someone is needed for assistance or is accompanying a minor.

Customers are asked to arrive no earlier than ten minutes before their appointment time and may be required to wait outside or in their vehicle after checking in, as only a limited number of people are allowed in the building at a time. Those arriving more than five minutes late may forfeit their appointment due to expected high demand for appointments. Customers are asked to download and fill out necessary forms prior to their appointment. Forms are available at the County DMV’s website www.saratogacountyny.gov/dmv. Customer ID is required at check in.

To make an appointment, call 518-383-2480, extension 3921. Saratoga County DMV’s hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Local Graduate Honored: Camden Military Academy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Connor D. Hart, age 18, of Saratoga Springs, recently graduated from Camden Military Academy of Camden, South Carolina. Connor spent his Senior Year of High School at CMA earning Cadet of the Semester, Cadet of the Year, and was Valedictorian of the Class of 2020. Connor earned a GPA of 3.94 in college course work from the University is South Carolina. He is planning on attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State College (Virginia Tech) in the Fall as a member of the Corps of Cadets.

Northeast Regional Food Bank Gets Boost from Leonard Bus Sales

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With COVID-19 straining food banks across the state, Leonard Bus Sales announced that they will be doubling their donations to partner food banks as part of their annual support of the school-based BackPack nutrition program. 

The past few years, Leonard Bus Sales has taken funds it would traditionally spend for promotional items at industry trade shows and have invested it in local BackPack nutrition programs throughout the state to help ensure no child goes to school or bed hungry. This year, the company – which operates full-service facilities in Bergen, Deposit, Middletown, Rome, and Saratoga Springs – is doubling their contribution to seven regional food bank partners to $11,000 and helping more than 2,200 children state-wide.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is a not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to nearly 1,000 charitable agencies feeding the hungry in 23 counties of northeastern New York.  The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month, and in 2019 distributed over 40 million pounds of food to the hungry. 

To learn more about the Food Bank of Central New York go to regionalfoodbank.net, or to learn more about school-based hunger programs near you go to feedingamerica.org