CLIFTON PARK — The Annual Deanna Rivers 518 Softball Tournament was held Sunday, June 11, celebrating the life of Deanna Rivers, who died tragically 10 years ago.
“Thank you, Debbie, Brian, Jenna and the Rivers Foundation, for your generous donation to Act With Respect Always,” said Coach Rich Johns, founder of AWRA. “l have such admiration for your amazing family.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Central Catholic senior Justin Duscher officially signed his college commitment on Monday, stating his intent to play Division III college basketball at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon.
Duscher said he was attracted to Lyndon’s small-school atmosphere and coaching staff, saying it is “a great opportunity.”
“It’s always been a dream for me to play in college, and it’s something that I’ve worked for years and years,” said Duscher. “Coach (David) Pasiak, he gave me a great opportunity to come in. They have really good team-oriented guys on the squad that I really liked.”
“Justin has a very good feel for the game,” said NVU-Lyndon head coach David Pasiak in a press release. “He’s an unselfish passer who has a knack for getting the ball to his teammates on time and on target. He is also a good perimeter shooter, and he takes pride in doing the little things well. He gives us additional depth and versatility on the perimeter. Justin is going to develop into a very good player here as he fills out and adjusts to the college game. Above all of that, he’s extremely team-oriented and positive, and will lift our team on the court and off.”
Duscher averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals per game during his senior year, according to SCC head coach Shea Bromirski. Duscher was the Saints’ team MVP and was named to the Wasaren League Exceptional Senior All-Star team the release says.
Duscher, who transferred to Saratoga Catholic from Saratoga Springs High School prior to his junior year, thanked his coaches and teammates for their support.
“The whole community’s really supportive in general, and that really helped me see success here,” Duscher said. “Coach Bromirski, he’s been a real big help for me.”
Bromirski said Duscher is a “really talented player,” and emphasized his leadership abilities.
“(Justin) can shoot, he can pass. He guards multiple positions,” said Bromirski. “We were pretty small, so we asked him to guard some pretty big guys. He did that pretty well for us. He adds a ton of value with his leadership, and his positive attitude. He’s a great young man. We’re lucky to have him, and we’re going to miss him.”
Duscher said he first began working with Bromirski at a young age through Dags Basketball, saying it was “really nice” to share his final high school season with the coach.
“It was a surprise when he came over here, and now it’s really cool to be able to share this experience with him,” Duscher said.
“He had been here an extra year than me, so he was kind of helping me get my feet wet,” Bromirski added. “I’ve known Justin for a long time, so I leaned on him to be a leader. The kids respect him. He’s a great kid. It’s not just basketball practice, he’s like that every day.”
Duscher said his experience at Saratoga Catholic was “great,” and said he is excited for his college experience.
“I was hoping that he would have a chance (to play in college), and I think he’ll make the most of it for sure,” said Bromirski. “He knows what it takes to be a part of something bigger than himself.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association today announced its lineup of four giveaways for the 2023 meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. The 2023 Saratoga Race Course giveaway schedule is as follows:
Friday, July 21: Cooler Jug Presented By NYRA Bets
The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga-branded, 64-ounce red and white cooler jug. Presented by NYRA Bets, this cooler jug features a wide mouth screw-on cap and a flip top spout.
Friday, August 11: Dri-Fit T-Shirt Presented By FOX Sports
Fans can showcase their enthusiasm for Saratoga Race Course with the second giveaway of the season: a red Dri-Fit T-shirt, emblazoned with the Saratoga, NYRA Bets and FOX Sports logos. The shirt is 100% polyester. Two unisex adult sizes will be available: medium and extra-large.
Friday, August 18: Bucket Hat
This one-size-fits-all hat features the traditional red Saratoga logo embroidered front and center. The hat is 100% cotton.
Friday, September 1: Tote Bag Presented By Saratoga Casino Hotel
This red and white polyester tote bag includes a white mesh side pocket providing extra storage, while a top zipper keeps cargo.
Fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a free, premium giveaway with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to receive a giveaway.
Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 13, and continue through Monday, September 4.
Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.
For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — New York Elite FC and Capital United Soccer Club have announced the merger of their exclusive female soccer programs effective July 1, under the new name Capital Elite Futbol Club (Capital Elite FC). This partnership will join two long-standing premier soccer clubs in the Capital Region and will improve opportunities for local female players to compete competitively.
“We’re excited to bring two exclusive female soccer programs together with the goal of raising the level and standards of girls soccer in the Capital Region and beyond,” stated Liz Villamil, representative of Capital Elite FC.
Regularly scheduled games offer players the opportunity to apply their newly-acquired skills within a positive and supportive environment. Capital Elite FC firmly believes that developing a player’s self-confidence is pivotal to their growth on and off the field.
“Both soccer clubs boast highly regarded coaches and have achieved remarkable success on regional and national levels,” stated Kevin Smith, representative of Capital Elite FC. “This collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity for players across the region.”
Capital Elite FC will be holding tryouts for the upcoming 2023/24 season later this month. Tryouts are free of charge and require online registration to secure a spot.
Please make note of the following dates and locations:
Tuesday, June 20 at Glen Hollow Park
Thursday, June 22 at Niskayuna Soccer Park
Monday, June 26 at McBride Fields
Wednesday, June 28 at McBride Fields
To streamline the process, female soccer players born between 2012 and 2016 will have their tryouts at 5 p.m., while those born between 2005 and 2011 will have their tryouts at 6:30 p.m. All eligible players are encouraged to register and showcase their skills during these sessions.
For more information, and to register for tryouts, please visit www.capitalelitefc.com.
LAKE GEORGE — Wiawaka will be celebrating their 120th year this summer with an upcoming season featuring an array of enriching workshops, retreats, events, and programs.
“We take great pride in this historical milestone and express our deep gratitude to all our supporters who have been instrumental in helping us reach this significant achievement,” Doreen Kelly, Wiawaka’s Executive Director, said in a statement.
Wiawaka Center for Women is a 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to enhancing the lives of women through wellness programs, workshops, events, and artistic celebrations. In 1908, renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe became one of the first artists to stay at Wiawaka, and her room remains one of the most sought-after accommodations on the property.
Alongside overnight stays, healthy meals, day passes, season passes, and a host of programs are offered at the center.
Noteworthy highlights include Georgia O’Keeffe Week, Artists in Residency Week, and SWIM Week honoring the remarkable women swimmers of Lake George, including Diane Struble, who made history as the first woman to complete the lake swim.
Historical Tours take place 5 p.m. every Monday and reservations for a post-walk dinner may be made by calling 518-668-9690.
For more information about Wiawaka’s upcoming events, visit: wiawaka.org.
BALLSTON SPA —The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA) has announced this year’s list of performers for its Concerts in the Park series for the summer of 2023.
The Concerts in the Park series will take place every Thursday evening 6 – 8 p.m. from June 29 to Aug. 24 at Old Iron Spring Park, located at 198 Front St.
The lineup:
June 29 – Ballston Spa Community Band
July 6 – North & South Dakotas
July 13 – The Protones
July 20 – Kevin McKrell
July 27 – SIRSY
Aug. 3 – Annual Ice Cream Social with The Union Fire Company Band
Aug. 10 – Downtown Horns
Aug. 17 – Lustre Kings
Aug. 24 – The Sea The Sea
For more information about the Concerts in the Park series, go to: www.ballston.org/category/concerts-in-the-park.
SCHENECTADY — The producers of “Mrs. Doubtfire” announced this week that single tickets for the upcoming engagement in Schenectady are on sale.
The show runs Tuesday, Oct. 24, to Sunday, Oct. 29.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in December 2019. Extended by popular demand, the Seattle engagement shattered the record for a new musical in the history of the 5th Avenue Theatre, selling more than $4.7M in tickets and playing to more than 75,000 people in 42 performances.
When “Mrs. Doubtfire” first officially opened on Broadway on Dec. 5, 2021, the Chicago Tribune said, “This lovable, big-hearted musical comedy delivers a good time for all ages. The best choice for families on Broadway” and The Telegraph proclaimed “Rip-roaringly funny. A heartfelt adaptation to make Robin Williams proud.”
It received six 2022 Outer Critics Circle Nominations including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, two Drama League Nominations as well as a Tony Nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. “Mrs. Doubtfire” opened in London’s West End in June 2023 following a successful engagement in Manchester, UK in Fall of 2022.
The show is produced by Kevin McCollum in association with Work Light Productions, the Executive Producer and General Manager for the tour.
Tickets are available through the Box Office at Proctors in-person, via phone at 518-346-6204 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or online at proctors.org.
GLENS FALLS — Adirondack Theatre Festival’s musical season begins this week with the romantic comedy. “The Last Wide Open.”
The show previews on June 28, opens June 29, and runs through July 8 at the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls.
The Last Wide Open marks the return of Adirondack Theatre Festival’s tradition of new play commissions. After ATF engaged the writer and scholar Celina Martinez to work with playwright Audrey Cefaly on a new English/Spanish version of Roberto’s dialogue, a bidding war for the play’s publication rights ensued. International licensing giant Theatrical Rights Worldwide ultimately won the bid and will publish the ATF version following the production in Glens Falls.
ATF’s season will continue with a concert presentation of Pump Up the Volume, followed by the biggest production in the company’s history, Tuning In.
Single tickets range from $25 for audience members aged 18 and under, to $29 for select preview seats on July 28 and August 3, to $49 with no additional ticketing fees. Tickets may be purchased at www.atfestival.org, or by calling the Wood Theater Box Office at 518-480-4878, or in-person at the Box Office at 207 Glen Street. The Box Office is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.atfestival.org
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center hosts its annual county-wide craft fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, June 24.
The family-friendly free event will be held at the Brookside Museum, where guests will be able to shop from more than 35 vendors with a wide variety of locally handcrafted collectibles, gifts, antiques, farm products and more.
The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, please contact Beth Silvestri at 518-885-4000 or bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.
