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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Kate McDonnell Brings New Album, Show to Caffe Lena Sept. 20

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

Trapeze, Kate McDonnell’s sixth CD, released in advance of her show at Caffe Lena this month.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Singer-songwriter Kate McDonnell and her Right Hand Men (Jimi Woodul, Sam Zucchini, Matt Griffin) perform Friday, Sept. 20 at Caffe Lena. Show time is 8 p.m. 

McDonnell has performed at the Newport Folk Festival and Kennedy Center and  on the Mountain Stage radio program and WXPN’s “World Café.” Her songwriting has been singled out for praise by The Village Voice and the Boston Globe. 

Her new album, “Trapeze,” is McDonnell’s sixth CD, features 14 original songs and is released Sept. 5. Rooted in contemporary American life, she explores topics ranging from hope and life’s purpose surrendering to love and desire in crazy times, to condemning gun violence. 

Her previous album – “Ballad Of A Bad Girl,” was issued in 2021, featured musical luminaries Jerry Marotta and Tony Levin and soared to #5 in the Folk DJ radio charts upon its release. 

For more information, go to: caffelena.org.  

News & Notes: Week 7 Events at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2024 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will continue through Monday, Sept. 2. Racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. First post time is 1:10 p.m. with exceptions for Travers Days and closing weekend; Travers Day gates will open at 9 a.m. 

Week 7 Stake Races 

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing. 

Friday, August 23 

G1 Personal Ensign:
F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $500,000

Smart N Fancy: F&M 4&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs – Turf, Purse $150,000

Saturday, August 24

GI Ballerina (BC):
F&M 3&UP, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

GI Forego: 4&UP, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

G1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial:
3YO, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

G1 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer (BC): 3&UP, 1 1/2- Turf, Purse $750,000

G1 Travers: 3YO, 1 1/4 – Dirt, Purse $1,250,000

Sunday, August 25

Albany (NYB): 3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $250,000

Fleet Indian (NYB):
F3YO, 1 1/8 – Dirt, Purse $200,000

Funny Cide (NYB) presented by
Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital:
2YO, 6 Furlongs- Dirt, Purse $200,000

Seeking the Ante (NYB):
F2YO, 6 Furlongs- Dirt, Purse $200,000

West Point presented by Trustco Bank (NYB): 3&UP, 1 1/16- Turf, Purse $200,000

Yaddo Handicap (NYB): F&M 3&UP, 1 1/16- Turf, Purse $200,000 

Wednesday, August 28

P. G. Johnson: F2YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $150,000

Thursday, August 29

GIII With Anticipation:
2YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $175,000

TRAVERS DAY

Saturday, August 24

Gates open at 7 a.m. Special first post time of 11:20 a.m. Multiple graded stakes winner Thorpedo Anna will look to take on Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets winner Dornoch and Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun winner Fierceness, among others, in the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers. Thorpedo Anna will try to become the first filly to capture Saratoga’s premier race since 1915.

The DraftKings Travers Day card will feature 14 races including four additional Grade 1 contests: the $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer, a 1 1/2-mile turf route for 3-year-olds and up; the $500,000 Ballerina Handicap, a seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares; the $500,000 Forego at seven furlongs for older horses; and the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial for sophomores sprinting seven furlongs.

fan appreciation week

Wed. August 28 – Mon. September 2

Saratoga will say “Thank you, fans!” with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.

Friday, August 23: The Kirks

Saturday, August 24: ILL Funk, TBA

Sunday, August 25: Get Up Jack

Wednesday, August 28: The Steve Candlen Band

Thursday, August 29: The Jonathan Newell Band

New York Showcase Day

Sunday, August 25

New York-breds take center stage for New York Showcase Day, featuring six stakes for state-breds worth a combined $1.25 million. The card is headlined by the $250,000 Albany, a nine-furlong test for sophomores. Also featured are five $200,000 stakes including the Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies; the West Point Handicap, presented by Trustco Bank, for 3-year-olds and up on turf; the Yaddo Handicap for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up on turf; and a pair of six furlong-sprints for juveniles in the Funny Cide, presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and the Seeking the Ante for fillies.

Flag Football League Seeks Coaches

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.


Saratoga NFL Flag Football logo via the league’s website. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga NFL Flag Football, a co-ed youth league, is seeking additional coaches prior to the start of its regular season on September 7.

As of August 13, the league needed coaches and assistants for the 5th and 6th grade division, 3rd and 4th grade division, and 7th through 9th grade division. 

“If you have any ability to coach, we can use you,” read a post on the league’s Facebook page. “We are willing to help in any way possible which includes helping run a practice or two and also helping with game planning and logistics for game day. We really can’t stress enough the need for these coaches.”

For more information, visit togaflag.com/.

Week of August 10 – 16, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court

Rick C. Sweet, 36, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years’ incarceration, and 1 year conditional discharged, after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree felony, and menacing in the third-degree misdemeanor, respectively, charged January 2024 in Ballston Spa.  

Nicholas E. Harwood, 36, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, charged April 2024 in Corinth. Sentencing Sept. 12.

Leon Carney, 20, of Lake George, was sentenced to time served to be followed by 5 years’ probation, after pleading to disseminating indecent material to minors in the first-degree, charged in 2023 in Saratoga.

Hasan A. Stubbs, 27, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth-degree.

Donald Travis, 59, of Lake George, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to failure to register as a sex offender, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs.

Ryan M. Jewett, 32, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 29 years’ incarceration followed by 20 years post-release supervision in connection with his April 19, 2024 plea to Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, and Rape in the second-degree. The conviction stems from an investigation by the Mechanicville Police Department that revealed Jewett had contact with a child victim from the age of 9, according to a statement released by Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. Jewett is currently also charged with patronizing a prostitute, and possession of a sexual performance by a child in Albany County Court, the district attorney said.  

William Kelone, 20, of Scotia, was sentenced to two terms of 2 to 6 years’ incarceration – to run concurrently – after pleading to two charges of burglary in the third-degree, one in Ballston and one in Moreau.

Louis Reyes, 28, of Cohoes, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged May 2023 in Waterford.

Kristen A. Yerry, 26, of Halfmoon, pleaded to attempted burglary in the third-degree, charged July 4, 2024. Sentencing Sept. 23.

Courtney H. Worrock, 27, of Schenectady, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Sept. 25.

Jesus Antonio Menendez-Flores, 27, of Albany, pleaded to robbery in the first-degree, charged November 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing Sept. 6.

Michael J. Kulls, 42, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to felony DWI, charged January 2024 in Milton. Sentencing Sept. 23.

Xavier O. Williams, 21, of Watervliet, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged October 2023 in Halfmoon.

Christopher J. Hance, 35, homeless, Saratoga Springs, pleaded to criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, a felony, charged March 1, 2022 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Sept. 24.

Kevin S. Cuva, 51, homeless, Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, charged February 2024 in Saratoga Springs.

NY State Police

State Police of Wilton stopped a vehicle on Saratoga Road in Wilton, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver was identified as Joel J. Shattuck, 47, of Queensbury. Also located in the vehicle was a child under the age of 16. Shattuck was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Child (Leandra’s Law) and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The child was turned over to a family member, and Shattuck was transported to SP Wilton for processing, where he recorded a 0.17% BAC. He was issued tickets returnable to the Wilton Town Court and released to a sober third party.

State Police of Clifton Park were dispatched to the area of Longkill Road in Clifton Park, for the reports of a possibly impaired driver. A vehicle matching the caller’s description was located in the parking lot of the location. The driver was nearby and identified as Meaghan M. Kohls, 45, of Ballston Lake. Kohls was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where she recorded a 0.29% BAC. Further investigation discovered Kohls has had a previous DWI conviction in the last ten years. She was issued tickets returnable to the Clifton Park Town Court on Aug. 28, and released to a sober third party.  

Saratoga Senior Center Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The following events are taking place at, or in coordination with the Saratoga Senior Center.

Sipping for Seniors Fundraiser– Thursday, August 15, 6 pm – 10 pm. Support the Saratoga Senior Center at Sipping for Seniors that will take place at the Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill. 20% of all food & drink sales and 100% of guest bartender tips will be donated to the Center. 

Upcoming Bus Trips – Open to the Public

Lake Placid, NY Bus Trip – Thursday, October 10. Call 518-584-1621 with any questions or to sign up. Trip Only: $45 per person Trip & Olympic Museum: $69 per person.

New York City Bus Trip – Wednesday, December 4. Spend a day on your own shopping at the winter village in Bryant Park, visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center, or experiencing a magical performance by the Radio City Rockettes. Call 518-584-1621 with any questions or to sign up. Trip: $62 per person.

Free Presentations at the Center – Open to the Public

Long Term Care Insurance – Friday, August 16 | 10 am. Presented by Herzog Law Firm. Eileen Dunn, MS, CMC will discuss all aspects of long-term care insurance. If you have a policy, please bring it along and for review. 

Memory & Concentration – Monday, August 19 | 1 pm. Presented by Helene Brecker. A presentation on memory and concentration. Learn ten acupressure points that have been suggested can help with sleep quality and cognitive functions. 

Introduction to Energy Medicine– Monday, August 26 | 10 am. Presented by Helene Brecker. Energy medicine can help with relieving pain, sharpening your mind, relieving stress and anxiety, strengthening the immune system, improving digestion, relieving allergies, enhancing wellbeing, managing weight, and enhancing learning skills. The goal is to show people that the power of healing is in their hands and to share a 5-minute daily routine.

The Gift of Life: An Informational Discussion About Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation – Tuesday, August 27 | 1pm. Supported by William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home. Representatives from the Center for Donation & Transplant and Lions Eye Bank of the Northeast will provide an overview of organ and tissue donation. Learn more about the need and impact of donation, the donation process, and how to register a donor.

Comedian Colin Quinn in Featured Performance to Benefit T2T Foundation Aug. 31  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SNL veteran Colin Quinn will be featured in a benefit performance Aug. 31 in Ballston Spa. Photo: colinquinn.com

Writer, performer and stand-up comedian Colin Quinn will be featured in a comedy show on Aug. 31 in Ballston Spa to benefit Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

The event, held at 2117 Barrett Road will include live music performed by Skippy and The Pistons. Showtime is 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 and tickets are $75. 

Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and builds specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. For the past several years, the Foundation’s program service percentage on average was 95% – 95 cents out of every dollar goes directly to our programs and services.

The benefit will be held rain or shine and reservations may be made by calling 518-542-3731. 

New World of Water: Summer Nature Camp at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be hosting a new week-long summer family nature camp. 

This half-day camp is suitable for kids entering grades 2-5 (with an accompanying adult). Engaging hands-on activities, games, and take-home crafts will be used to learn about topics like the water cycle, oceans, pond life, and more! World of Water will begin on Monday, Aug. 19 and run through Friday, Aug. 23 from 9 am to noon. Pricing is $75/family (parent(s) and one child) and $25/each additional child.

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Sandra Marie Johnson  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Sandra Marie Johnson passed away August 8, 2024.  Visitation is August 16 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. August 17 at St. Clements Church, Saratoga Springs. A private burial will be at a later date. Online condolences, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Edward J. Caples  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Edward J. Caples passed away August 10, 2024. Calling hours were held on August 15 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, with a funeral service following. Burial followed at St. Mary’s/St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Fort Edward.  Online condolences, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.