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Author: Saratoga TODAY

News & Notes: Week 7 Events At Saratoga Race Course

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

The Saratoga Race Course Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, including weekends, with the exception of Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28. The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include the following events and happenings:

Week 7 Race Schedule

Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
New York Showcase Day: The annual flagship event to highlight the strength and success of the New York breeding program will feature six state-bred stakes headlined by the $250,000 Albany, a nine-furlong test for sophomores. The lucrative card will include the $200,000 Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies going 1 1/8 miles; the $200,000 Funny Cide, presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, for 2-year-olds sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track; the $200,000 Seeking the Ante for 2-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs; the $150,000 West Point, presented by Trustco Bank, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf; and the $150,000 Yaddo, a handicap for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles on the Mellon turf course.

The Knight Caps, the official glee club of the United States Military Academy at West Point, will kick off the day with a special performance of the National Anthem.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
Runhappy Travers Day: Led by Belmont Stakes and Jim Dandy winner Essential Quality, the nation’s top 3-year-olds will meet at the Spa for the marquee race of the summer season – the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers. The 152nd edition of the race is sponsored by Runhappy, a champion sprinter currently standing at Claiborne Farm.

Gates open at 7 a.m. with first post time of 11:35 a.m. Breakfast and tram tours are not offered on Runhappy Travers Day.

The Runhappy Travers is the centerpiece of a card featuring seven stakes and six Grade 1s, offering $4.6 million in total purse money, including the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Sword Dancer; Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign presented by Lia Infiniti; Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina; Grade 1, $600,000 Forego; and Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial. Rounding out the blockbuster card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa.

For the third consecutive year, FOX will air the Runhappy Travers as the centerpiece of a 90-minute telecast beginning at 5 p.m. The networks of FOX Sports will air 6.5 hours of live racing and analysis on Runhappy Travers Day, with coverage scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on FS1.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
Better Talk Now: The day’s feature is the $120,000 Better Talk Now for 3-year-olds at a mile on the turf. 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
Racing action continues with today’s card featuring the With Anticipation (G3) 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Racing action continues with today’s card featuring the P.G. Johnson. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

Tiz the Law Commemorative Poster Autograph Signing
Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate New York-bred Tiz the Law, last year’s Belmont Stakes and Runhappy Travers winner, during a special autograph session with owner Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stables; trainer Barclay Tagg; and jockey Manny Franco. The trio will offer autographed editions of a commemorative Tiz the Law poster at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a recommended donation to the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Tiz the Law posters are free throughout the day at NYRA Bets Squad kiosks and Guest Services locations, while supplies last.

New York Craft Beer and Spirits Specials
New York Showcase Day will highlight beverages produced and distilled in the Empire State. Fans will enjoy New York craft beer, available in a 20-ounce commemorative Jockey Boot, for $10. The craft beer specials will be available at the Fourstardave Sports Bar and nearby Druthers Brewing Company Gazebo, as well as the Saranac Brewery portable bar on the second floor of the grandstand. New York-based spirits producer Cooperstown Distillery will offer complimentary samples of its Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Jim Dandy Bar, presented by Cooperstown Distillery. The Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler will be the featured drink of the afternoon available at all dining areas, including The Porch, Club Terrace and Turf Terrace.

LifeWorks Community Action Food Drive
NYRA will host its annual food drive to benefit LifeWorks Community Action. Fans who donate at least three non-perishable items at the Community Outreach Booth will receive one free grandstand admission ticket for Wednesday, September 1 or Thursday, September 2. The collection will take place at the Community Outreach Booth from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CDPHP Celebrates NYRA Hometown Heroes
NYRA will welcome the honorees of its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, to the winner’s circle for a named race in their honor. The NYRA Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic.

Cutwater Spirits Tasting
Fans will be invited to enjoy complimentary samples of ready-to-drink cocktails from Cutwater Spirits at The Cutwater Stretch from 1 to 3 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Sensemaya.

Piazza Italia
The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Nick Collucio from noon to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28

NYRA Bets Ice Cubes
In celebration of Runhappy Travers Day, the Resorts World Founders Room at the 1863 Club and numerous Saratoga Springs bars and restaurants will feature custom ice cubes etched with the NYRA Bets logo. The NYRA Bets ice cubes will be available at Bailey’s Café; Clancy’s Tavern; Dango’s Saratoga; Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill; The Ice House; The Parting Glass; Trotters Pub; and The West Side Sports Bar and Grill. Limited quantities, while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Dina and the Dirty Boys from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Big Fez and the Surfmatics from 3 to 6:30 p.m. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Brunch at The Rail at the 1863 Club 
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
The popular kid-oriented weekly event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. 

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest
Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Piggly Wigglies.

Season-long Daily Events and Activities:

BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY ZONE
Fans will enjoy 40 days of the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area for children located near Gate A, which will be complemented by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Sundays. The popular weekly festival will include free games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday of the season inside the Berkshire Bank Family Zone.

BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA
Tram tour of our famous and historic stable area (weather permitting). The first tram leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at approximately 7:30 a.m. with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at around 9 a.m. The Tour is available every race day (there is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28). Driven by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Enjoy a morning buffet on The Clubhouse Porch while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  No reservations are accepted for breakfast dining. $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12. 

SARATOGA FASHION DAYS
Fashion Saturdays, which was previously held once each week, will expand to a 40-day series of pop-up boutiques featuring stylish clothing, accessories and jewelry for women and men. The Saratoga Fashion Days’ boutiques will be located in the following areas: Lifestyles of Saratoga across from the Jockey Silks Room Porch; Miss Scarlett, Saratoga Rocks and the Winning Silks Collection near The Stretch; and Bumble B Boutique near the paddock mutuels building (weekends only).

SARATOGA WALKING TOURS
History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course. Approximately 45 minutes. Daily Walking Tours bring the more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $3 per person or $10 for a family. For more information on our tours, please contact our Guest Services Department at 518-584-6200 ext. 4433.

BETS SQUAD: LEARN. BET. WIN.
The Bets Squad is your one-stop-shop to learn how to bet! Learn the different types of bets, how to place a bet, how to read a program, how to use a self-service betting terminal, and how to sign up to bet from your phone on and off-track with NYRA Bets. NYRA Bets allows you to securely deposit electronically and play great racing from Saratoga to Del Mar and across the world online and from anywhere, anytime. The Bets Squad is open daily.

Saratoga’s Novelty: Tailgate and Party

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tailgate and Party has had a successful summer at their new location on Phila Street. 

Tailgate and Party on 33 Phila Street, diagonal to Ben & Jerry’s is your go-to, one-stop-shop for all things celebration. The store has an assortment of merchandise that you might not find elsewhere, from track necessities to hostess gifts and milestone birthday supplies, including helium balloons. As the seasons change, owner Kirsten Lambert said some of the merchandise in the fall will transition to represent that, with more coolers, NFL gear, and tailgate-related items – true to the store’s name. However, a bestseller throughout the seasons has been their adult drinking games. Lambert said that customers who come into the store and see the display always have a story to tell or a memory to share. 

“It is a very happy store,” said Lambert. “Everyone is always laughing as they go through and look around at what we have.” 

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Tailgate and Party fills a need for Saratoga, which Lambert realized when she had a hard time finding supplies for her mom’s 80th birthday. 

Lambert had always said she wanted to be three things in life – a hairdresser, a teacher (which she was for 25 years), and to work in a store. So, she opened Tailgate and Party, and found out that much like teaching, there is a planning aspect to owning a party store. 

This summer has been quite successful since the move from the corner of Henry and Caroline Street to Phila Street. Traffic is heavy in the morning, as customers wait for brunch downtown or the track to open. But as she has learned from other local Saratoga business owners, there is never a “method to the madness”. 

“When I was on Henry and Caroline Street during the pandemic, I got to meet and talk to the locals. I learned so much about Saratoga,” said Lambert. “It was great preparation going into this new location. We want to keep evolving, changing, and moving forward.” 

To view Tailgate and Party’s featured products, balloon inventory, and more, visit their website at www.tailgateandparty.com, or reach the store by phone at 518-886-9015. 

Meet… Bob Wilson

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

It’s early morning at beautiful Saratoga Racecourse… 

A paddock area picnic table adjacent to his shoeshine stand is the perfect setting to discuss the colorful life of a Saratoga original, Bob Wilson. It’s been over a half century since he first set up shop. He is back and this is his story.

Our conversation brought us to 1969, when Bob continued a family boyhood tradition of mastering the art of shining shoes. His older brothers Harry, and then Floyd, preceded him for over a decade prior to Bob taking over the venture. He speaks fondly of his memories of Alfred G. Vanderbilt, who made frequent visits to get the professional shine that the Wilson brothers were known for. He was good for a two-dollar tip when a shine cost a mere forty cents.  Woody Stephens, trainer of five Belmont Stakes winners, was a repeat customer. Hall of Fame jockeys John Rotz and Eddie Maple were patrons as well. It wasn’t just owners, trainers and jockeys that lined up for a shine. The great musical genius Cab Calloway took a side trip to Bob’s stand, yet it was the regular guy that was the bulk of his clientele. 

This was the era when race goers came dressed for the occasion. Shorts were for the beach and sneakers were reserved for the basketball courts. Leather shoes finished off the look of distinction and Bob had the ingredients to make them shine. He fashioned a technique that he uses to this day. The leather is gently washed with his own formula, then the polish is applied to his exacting measurements. Now it’s time for the finishing touch. He maneuvers the polishing cloth with precision. His hands are quick, yet pliable. Bob works the cloth like Sandy Koufax would work a no-hitter. With that the pro’s job is complete. The customer glances down. He has a slight smile on his face when he sees a pair of shoes honed to perfection. The scene is played out over and over throughout the meet.

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There is much more to Bob’s story than his shoeshine expertise. He is a retired Air Force veteran of twenty years who served at military bases throughout the world. He was a part of Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. His son Bob Jr. has taken service to his country one step further. He served four tours of duty in Afghanistan. Bob is a proud father and an American patriot. On occasion he shows his love of country wearing shirts that portray the colors of the American flag. He mentioned that he would like nothing more than to sing the National Anthem here at the track. Bob wants to dedicate it to his son and all our troops in harm’s way. In jest I asked him if he would audition his voice for me. He belted out the first verse of the anthem. I was stunned as to how well he sang it. I am no Simon Cowell, but I can tell you this, he deserves the honor that he aspires to.

If you are at the track in these remaining days of the meet, Bob and his stand are a familiar sight adjacent to the Racing Secretary’s office. Some of the sharpest handicappers on the grounds can be found at chairs close by. Whether you need a shine or just would like to say hello, Bob Wilson will welcome you and make you feel like a winner. 

Bob made a comment that I think is worth passing on. Bobby Flay stopped by his stand one day earlier in the meet. Bob explained to him that “I shine shoes like you put out a plate of food.” Having watched Beat Bobby Flay on more than one occasion and witnessed Bob Wilson’s shoe shining expertise, I can attest to the validity of the statement. They are both the masters of their trade.

In closing I would like to say that Bob is one of a kind. He has a world of knowledge, especially when it comes to New York Giants football. Former Giants head coach Bill Parcells found Bob’s grasp of the game impressive. The two enjoyed their share of conversations discussing the team’s progress. Bob loves the time he spends at the racetrack. The lure of the horse racing scene is in his blood. He says proudly that there is nowhere that he would rather be. If all goes well Bob plans on heading to sunny South Florida this winter to ply his trade at Gulfstream Park. He will be back at the Spa for the 2022 meet. His many friends and acquaintances will surely celebrate his return.

Kathy Hochul Sworn in as NY Governor, Sets “Fighting Delta Variant” as Priority

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

ALBANY — At midnight on Aug. 24, Kathy Hochul was sworn in as the 57th Governor of the State of New York and immediately announced her priorities. 

“Right now, that means fighting the Delta variant. None of us want to see a rerun of last year’s horrors with COVID-19; therefore, we will take proactive steps to prevent that from happening,” said Hochul, who is New York’s first female governor.

She listed Three “Day One initiatives” on COVID.

Priority Number 1: We get children back to school and protect the environment so they can learn, and everyone is safe. As a result, we need to require vaccinations for all school personnel with an option to test out weekly—at least for now. To accomplish this in New York, we need partnerships with all levels of government, and I am working now on getting this done. 

New York is launching a Back to School COVID-19 testing program to make testing for students and staff widely available and convenient. I am also immediately directing the Department of Health to institute universal masking for anyone entering our schools.

Later this week I will announce a series of school-related policies that will be concise and consistent, giving the school districts what they have been asking for. 

Priority Number 2:  Increase vaccination rates for New Yorkers. Much progress has been made, but too many are not yet vaccinated putting themselves and their communities at risk. With the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine yesterday, New Yorkers can expect new vaccine requirements. More on that soon. 

Priority Number 3: Prepare for Booster shots and make sure they are available and are distributed quickly and reliably. When I consulted with Dr. Fauci last week, we discussed the urgent need to ensure vaccinated individuals receive a booster dose at 8 months.  I am prepared to do whatever is necessary, including reopening mass vax sites so that a booster is available to all New Yorkers who meet that timetable.

Hochul expanded on the topic of COVID while making the rounds of talk shows this week. She spoke about the launch of the $580 million back-to-school covid testing initiative that provides every student, teacher and administrator easy access to testing before school starts.

“Mandatory masks, which is something that is not universally popular, but I think it’s an important step toward getting safety in schools,” she told CBS This Morning. 

According to the CDC, nearly two-thirds (66.3%) of New Yorker statewide have received at least one dose of vaccine, and just under 60% are fully vaccinated.  Those numbers are just over 71%, and just over 67%, respectively, among Saratoga County residents. 

“What I don’t have is the ability to mandate vaccines because the legislature did not confer on the Governor at this time the executive powers necessary,” Hochul said. 

Speaking in Saratoga Springs at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center four weeks ago, there seemingly was more optimism about the pandemic being in the rear view mirror. 

“What happened after the last Pandemic in 1918? The ‘Roaring 20’s.’ It was an amazing time in our country,” Hochul said during press conference at SPAC. “I’m declaring today is the beginning of the Roaring 20’s once again.” 

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The latest wave of positive infections in Saratoga County began to steadily rise in early July. The week ending July 6 showed 7 positive cases for that entire week. The successive weeks, according to information provided by Saratoga County Public Health Services:

July 6 to 11 – 16 positive cases. 
July 12 to 18 – 54 positive cases. 
July 19 to 25 – 109 positive cases. 
July 20 to 28- 167 positive cases. 

The most recent week, ending Aug. 24, counts 373 positive COVID cases among Saratoga County residents over the past seven days. The statistics detail only Saratoga County residents and not visitors to Saratoga who may have potentially tested positive for COVID. Those cases are counted in the visitors’ own county of residence, and those statistics have not been publicly shared by Saratoga County Public Health Services.   

This week, the newly minted governor said she was concerned that the state is currently seeing 3,000 to 4,000 positive COVID cases each day, where it was seeing 300 to 400 daily positives in June. 

“As we see this resurgence, I’m going to be doing more to empower local government officials who spend all their days training for this, the local health departments, the emergency management individuals who know how to get vaccines out,” Hochul said. 

Hochul also promised one of the hallmarks of her administration will be “a new era of transparency,” explaining she will direct state entities to review their compliance with state transparency laws and provide a public report on their findings, require her counsel to come up with an expedited process to fulfill all FOIL requests as fast as possible—and post completed requests publicly online, and sign an Executive Order requiring ethics training for every employee of state government.

Hochul expressed gratitude for the courage shown her by her family – her husband Bill and children Will and Katie for encouraging her to pursue a passion for public service; her father, “making steel by day, getting an education at night, and leaving it all to join a tech start up in the early days of computers.” Of her mother, Hochul said, “despite growing up in an abusive home and losing her own mother at a young age (she) raised six children in Buffalo, all the while engaging in social and racial justice movements. Together, we founded a home for survivors of domestic violence when she was 70 years old—she taught me empathy.” 

Pop Concerts at SPAC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The following pop concerts are currently scheduled to take place at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For ticket information, go to: www.spac.org. 

Aug. 23 – King Crimson.
Aug. 24 – James Taylor/ Jackson Browne. 
Aug. 27 – Dead & Company. 
Aug. 28 – Lynyrd Skynyrd. 
Sept. 5 – Alanis Morissette/ Garbage/ Liz Phair. 
Sept. 12 – Outlaw Music Fest w/ Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Gov’t Mule, Margo Price. 
Sept. 13 – Maroon 5. 
Sept. 14 – The Black Crowes. 
Sept. 17-18 – Dave Matthews Band. 
Sept. 19 – Flogging Molly, Violent Femmes, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Thick. 
Sept. 28 – Jonas Brothers.
Oct. 3 – Zac Brown Band. 

Scheduled for 2022 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center: Doobie Brothers (June 16); Steely Dan/ Steve Winwood (June 21); Tedeschi Trucks Band (July 3); Rod Stewart / Cheap Trick (July 22); Backstreet Boys (July 23); Matchbox Twenty (July 31); Goo Goo Dolls (Aug. 19). 

Rotary Golf Scramble

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs 1st Annual Charity Golf Scramble, sponsored by Saratoga Financial Services and The Adirondack Trust Company will take place Sept. 17 at McGregor Links Golf Club in Saratoga. 

Entry fee of $100 per person ($400 per team) includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, raffle prizes, 50/50, and a chance at hole-in-one prizes. Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry forms are available through email at saratogarotarygolf@gmail.com or contact Nathan Towne (802-734-5154). Return completed forms with payment information via email, or with checks made payable to Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, P.O. Box 1307, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. 

Skate Jam Next Friday!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skateboarding has made its debut in the Toyko Olympics and is an increasingly popular sport here in Saratoga. The skatepark at East Side Rec is used year-round, and is in need of a modern upgrade. Saratoga’s City Council has committed to allocate $265,000 towards the construction of a new, state-of-the-art concrete skatepark at the complex. But the goal is to get that number closer to $350,000 to break ground, and that will require community support. 

Skate Jam is a grassroots fundraising event to take place on Friday, Aug. 27 at the East Side Rec. skatepark from 4:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, and there will be food, music, and prizes. An age 30+ senior shred trick competition will be held, alongside the return of the worst trick demo. 

Show support for skateboarding in Saratoga or donate to the new skatepark construction fund through PayPal, at www.ondecksaratoga.org, or through Venmo @ondecksaratoga. 

Siena Men’s Basketball Mentors Capital Region Youth

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

CAPITAL REGION — Siena Men’s Basketball teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area last week to teach the sport at their summer camps. 

On Friday, Aug. 13 the Siena Men’s Basketball Team continued their longstanding tradition of being active and giving back to the local community by visiting with campers at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany and Troy. 

“We take pride in giving back to the community and to the Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Siena Men’s Basketball Head Coach Carmen Maciariello. “In times like these, it was a great opportunity to show the kids some positive energy and enthusiasm, and to meet the guys.” 

The players and coaches taught the youth the skills of the game through interactive basketball drills and playing other basketball-related games. They also shared their experiences as collegiate athletes, discussed the importance of working hard on and off the court, and answered any questions that the campers had; Siena players Javion Ogunyemi and Elijah Burns are former Club members.

“It is always great to see college athletes sharing their journey with our kiddos,” said Patrick Doyle, Chief Operating Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. “Seeing how the team members are not much older than some of our youth, it gives them a real look at how hard work can pay off.”

“The Siena Basketball visit came as an inspiration to our students,” added Lurvin Calix, EZRA Clubhouse and Community Program Manager. “Spiking their interests, they are asking questions, those who play basketball are practicing more, and did I mention it boosts the topic of conversation about going to college!”

The team gives back to their community in the off-season in other ways too. They participate in school supply and backpack giveaways, read at elementary schools, and become pen pals with students who write them letters. 

The 2021-2022 Siena Men’s Basketball season will tip off with the return of the Br. Ed Coughlin Franciscan Cup on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at St. Bonaventure. The Saints will return to the Times Union Center for their 2021-2022 home opener on Saturday, Nov. 13. 

Siena Basketball season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.sienasaints.com/tickets, by email at sienatickets2@siena.edu, or by contacting the Siena Fan Relations Management Center during traditional business hours Monday-Friday by phone at 518-487-2202.

Westminster “Best in Show” Meets Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Westminster winner, Wasabi, made a special appearance at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame last Friday for a meet and greet.

Wasabi, a three-year-old Pekingese, won the “Best in Show” title at the 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show back in June of this year. He is bred, owned, and handled by David Fitzpatrick and co-owned by Fitzpatrick, Iris Love, Sandra Middlebrooks, and Peggy Steinman; Steinman is a Saratoga Springs summer resident and museum board member. 

To learn more about Wasabi and his accolades, visit:  www.pequest.com/portfolio-items/westminster-2021.