Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.
BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa High School seniors were presented with a safe driving message during the days before the Senior Prom on June 3, encouraging them to avoid accidents caused by distracted or impaired driving.
A simulated crash demonstration took place on May 25 in front of the school in the bus loop at 9:45 a.m. Several students, as well as various emergency responders, participated in the event.
The event was coordinated by the BSHS Administrators and Deputy Pedro Garcia, the school resource officer, with assistance from Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo and area emergency responders.
“This is a great program to teach kids about everyday safety involving distracted or drunk driving, but especially around the prom when these things become more prevalent,” read a statement on the Ballston Spa Fire Department’s Facebook page. “Thank you for your support and we hope this conversation continues at home, as we hope this drill never becomes a reality for any of us.”
The BSFD thanked Mangino Chevrolet Buick GMC for donating cars used in the demonstration. They also offered thanks to the Community Emergency Corps, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Ballston Lake Emergency Squad, Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, Armer Funeral Home, and the BSCSD administration.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mrs. Inez Bethea Tillman passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Granville Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. At Inez’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. There will be a memorial service at a later date. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
BALLSTON SPA — Richard ‘Ric’ Jesmain, Jr. was called home at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer. Calling hours 12-1 p.m., Saturday, 6/10/23 at St. Clement’s Church followed by Mass, then burial at St. Peter’s cemetery. A GoFundMe has been setup to help with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ric-jesmain?utm_campaign
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Judith Ann Lanzone passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the Wesley Health Care Center. She was 82. Calling hours were held Friday June 2, 2023 at Burke Funeral Home. A funeral home service followed. www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Robert Earl Burke, 85, passed 6/2/2023. Mass: 10 a.m., Friday, 6/9/2023 at St. Clement’s followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Celebration of life following 1-5 p.m. at the ITAM, 247 Grand Ave. Saratoga Springs. Memorial donations to Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St. Saratoga Springs. www.burkefuneralhome.com
ALBANY — Penelope “Penny” Miller, 83, of Saratoga Springs passed away on June 5, 2023 at Albany Med. Burial will be at G. B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Dennis Wilson Spilman has joined his loved ones in Heaven. A service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, June 11 at Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Calling hours will be from 2 – 4 p.m. prior to the service at the church. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
WILTON — Michael E. Hudak, Jr., died June 1. A funeral service was held June 8 at Compassionate Funeral Care; calling hours were held prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has announced that this year’s strolls start on Sunday, June 11.
Historic walking tours will be offered every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. through Labor Day in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Tours highlight the Gut neighborhood, mail-order houses on the east side, architecture of the Saratoga Spa State Park, the diverse history of the historic West Side, mansions of North Broadway, and more.
The first of 13 tours of historic Saratoga Springs kicks off with “Down In The Valley: Exploring The Gut” on Sunday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. Alexandra Morgan will explore the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working class and Jewish families who provided important contributions to the community. This tour meets at the northwest corner of Putnam and Spring streets at the Hathorn Spring.
Upcoming this month:
-Sunday, June 18 – Historic Madison & Fifth Avenues. Deborah Studwell will lead a tour of residential streets which are lined with elegant Victorian and Craftsman houses near the Saratoga Race Course. Meet at: NE corner of Nelson and Fifth avenues.
-Sunday, June 25 – Historic Congress Park. Join Charlie Kuenzel for an entertaining and educational stroll through historic Congress Park. Meet at: Outside of the Canfield Casino
Tours will be limited to 30 and tickets must be purchased in advance. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Director, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
This Saturday marks the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes. Let’s take a look at the history of Belmont Park and some of the memorable moments of the “Test of Champions.”
Belmont Park was the brainchild of August Belmont Jr. When it opened for it’s inaugural meeting in 1905, the facility was a marvel for its time. It was larger and more opulent than any other racetrack in the country.
Due to its deteriorating condition the track was rebuilt after the 1962 racing season. Opened for business again in 1968, the new version of Belmont was applauded for its attractive grounds and architectural design. It was built to accommodate large crowds in an era when upwards of 40,000 fans attended the races on any given Saturday. With the advent of OTB, Simulcast and the Casino boom those days are long over.
Plans have been made to replace the existing structure with a state of the art sports complex at the Long Island landmark. The racing facility will be built on a more manageable scale, allowing for a comfortable, fan friendly experience.
The Belmont Stakes has long been the premier event of the track’s prestigious Spring meeting. August Belmont Sr. founded the race in 1867. It had its inaugural running at Jerome Park. The elder Belmont was one of the original owners of the long departed track.
The race is the third jewel of the Triple Crown Series. It is one of America’s most sought after horse racing trophies. No less than 21 winners of the event have been named Horse of the Year in the 87 years that there has been polling for that honor. Of note, although there had been conflicting ones since 1936, it was not until 1971 that they were consolidated as one of the first Eclipse Awards.
Sir Barton was the first Triple Crown winner in 1919. Since then 36 three year olds have come to Belmont Park with Triple Crown aspirations. 23 of them failed in their attempt to navigate the mile and a half oval. The 13 that pranced into the winner’s circle have achieved immortality.
Those that took the Crown are familiar names. Secretariat, Citation, Count Fleet, Seattle Slew, Affirmed and American Pharoah are among them. The above mentioned are in the elite of America’s greatest racehorses.
Secretariat is without question the most memorable winner of the race.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of his awe inspiring performance. He absolutely annihilated his opposition with a 31 length victory. Add to that a
world record for the mile and a half distance.
Man O’ War, America’s most revered race horse took the 1920 Belmont by 20 lengths. He easily set the world record for the one and three eighth miles event. In 1926 the race was lengthened to its current mile and a half distance. Unfortunately the wonder horse was not entered in the Kentucky Derby, denying him what would have been a cakewalk to the Triple Crown.
The immensely talented Count Fleet turned more than a few heads when Johnny Longden guided him to a 25 length score in the 1943 rendition.
The three great warriors had beaten their opponents by a combined total of 76 lengths. Their grand exploits on the racetrack earned this trio first class tickets to the Pantheon of Champions.
Let’s take a look at a few of the unlucky ones that came so close to the Crown. One that stands out in the annals of the race is Tim Tam. In 1958 the Calumet Farms runner looked like a cinch to join Calumet’s Whirlaway and Citation as Triple Crown winners. To this day he is the shortest priced betting favorite to race in the Belmont Stakes. During the stretch run Tim Tam broke a bone in his right foreleg. He hung on for a gallant second to the Irish bred Cavan. Tim Tam is an honored member of horse racing’s Hall of Fame.
When we look at the could have beens, the great champion Spectacular Bid requires attention. It was a forgone conclusion that he would take the Belmont and join the Triple Crown Club. Unfortunately he stepped on a pin in his stall the night before the race. He most likely would have overcome that, except for an amateurish ride by his young and inexperienced jockey Ronnie Franklin. He chased a front running long shot who had absolutely no chance of winning the race. The foolish maneuver put an end to The Bid’s dream. His trainer Grover G Delp called him “the greatest horse to ever look through a bridle.” The heartfelt quote can be taken seriously…Spectacular Bid, a champion of the highest order.
Then there was Real Quiet. He took both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 1998. At the Belmont Stakes he drew clear of the field, only to be run down by Victory Gallup at the wire. With the closest finish in the history of the race, a mere nose separated Real Quiet from the immortals.
There won’t be a Triple Crown winner in this running of the Belmont Stakes. It by no means take diminishes the importance of the race. It stands on its own as one of Americas greatest sporting events.
Time is running out for the 1968 version of Belmont park. Soon work will begin on its transformation to an all new experience. The reconstruction effort will begin after next years Spring meeting. It is expected to reopen in 2026.
This Saturday, June 10th will be one of the last opportunities to witness the race at historic Belmont Park as it looks today. Sit back, take in the experience and enjoy the excitement that will unfold at the Belmont Stakes.. An American Tradition.
