Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skate Jam returns to East Side Rec. as ON DECK Saratoga fundraises for a new skatepark. 

On Friday, Aug. 27, Skate Jam returns to Saratoga Springs East Side Recreational Skatepark. The event, starting at 4:30 p.m., will feature prizes and raffles from Seasons skate shop, Town and Country skate shop, and Death Wish Coffee, as well as food donated by Stewart’s Shops and a DJ set from Thomas Dragonette. Prizes will be given out to skaters for demos of the “worst trick” and the 30-and-over “Senior Shred” event. 

“It’s a fun activity to honor different types of skateboarding and skateboarding throughout the years,” said Belinda Colón, co-founder of ON DECK Saratoga. 

ON DECK Saratoga was founded by Colón and her husband, skateboarder Benj Gleeksman as a not-for-profit organization that raises support for skateboarding and skateboarders of all ages in Saratoga through community-based events. ON DECK has been working towards the goal of getting a modern, fully concrete skatepark installed at East Side Rec., and the City of Saratoga Springs has recently designated $265,000 for the skatepark construction. ON DECK is looking to raise a total of $350,000 to break ground on the project. 

“The culture around skateboarding has changed over the last 20 years for the better,” said Gleeksman. “The skatepark is where kids go when they don’t do mainstream sports and don’t want to sit inside playing video games. It is the only facility at East Side Rec. that is used year-round. They are out there digging it out of the snow in the winter, and that is a testament to how important it is.”

The Saratoga Springs East Side Recreation Skatepark (or Saratoga Springs Skatepark) is the oldest municipal skatepark in New York. It is an iconic spot in east coast skateboarding culture, and a handful of iconic pro skaters and artists grew up there. Gleeksman could name three you probably will recognize:

Johnny Schilleref, the co-founder of Element Skateboards, skated at the park in the 80’s, and so did Josh Carter, half of the band Phantogram. Jeremy Fish skated and worked at the park, back when they had employees. Fish has become a famous artist living in San Francisco, and even has a day named after him – “Jeremy Fish Day” is Nov. 19 by the way. 

ON DECK is always looking for new opportunities to promote the importance of skateboarding in Saratoga through community events, afterschool programs, or attending Gleeksman’s skate camp with the Rec. Department. Reach out to ON DECK Saratoga through their email ondecksaratoga@gmail.com with your ideas. 

“However people want to help,” said Colón. “We are hoping to do more demonstrations and gatherings like Skate Jam in the future.” 

Drop-in to Skate Jam on Friday or donate to the skatepark construction fund through PayPal on ON DECK’s website, www.ondecksaratoga.org, or Venmo at @ondecksaratoga. Rain date for Skate Jam is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28.

Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are – choose one – Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College 4-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach. 

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Led by the Belmont Stakes and Jim Dandy winner Essential Quality, the nation’s top 3-year-olds will soon meet at the Spa for the marquee race of the summer season – the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers. 

Sponsored by Runhappy, a champion sprinter currently standing at the Claiborne Farm, the Runhappy Travers will be run for the 152nd time on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Saratoga Race Course. 

General admission tickets are $15 when purchased in advance. The walk-up price on Runhappy Travers Day is $20. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online). 

A limited number of Clubhouse admission tickets are available for $25. There are no Clubhouse upgrades on Runhappy Travers Day. 

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

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 and FOX Sports will air 7.5 total hours of live racing and analysis on Runhappy Travers Day, with coverage scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on FS1. 

The Runhappy Travers is the centerpiece of a card featuring seven stakes and six Grade 1s, offering $4.6 million in total purse money. The Runhappy Travers is the oldest stakes race for 3-year-olds in the United States. The inaugural edition took place on Aug. 2, 1864, as the first race ever held at the present-day Saratoga Race Course and was named for track co-founder William R. Travers. 

The 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet concludes on Labor Day. 

ALBANY — With a little more than a month to go until the 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.), event organizers are seeking volunteers for a variety of positions both on race day and during the week leading up to the prestigious all-women road race. 

Some of the roles available for the 5K include event set up and tear down, course/finish line water stops, refreshments, and packet pick-up/registration. Support is also needed for both of the Freihofer’s Run for Women’s companion events, the Freihofer’s Junior 3K and Freihofer’s Kids’ Run, which are offered to children ages three to 14. Tasks include organizing runners at the start and finish of each event, guiding and directing runners out on the course, assisting at the finish line, as well as handing out awards. 

“It takes about 600 volunteers to make all three events run smoothly,” said Freihofer’s Run for Women Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Gershon Rourke. “Whether you have a few hours or more to spare, we’d appreciate your support to ensure this event remains the Capital Region’s premier running event.”

The Freihofer’s Run for Women also needs individuals on Wednesday, Sept. 22 to break down and organize pallets of donated food. Assistance is also sought to help vendors locate and set up their booths and interface with runners at the Freihofer’s Health & Fitness Expo, which runs Thursday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 24 from noon to 7 p.m. at The Amory at Russell Sage College on New Scotland Ave. 

To learn more and register, please visit www.runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NY/Albany/FreihofersRunforWomen. For specific questions, please email gershonrourke@nycap.rr.com or call 518-506-3208. 

For additional information about the 43rd annual Freihofer’s® Run for Women, 33rd annual Kids’ Run and 11th annual Freihofer’s® Junior 3K Run, visit freihofersrun.com. From the homepages, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube pages. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County Public Health Department has confirmed that the county is experiencing a high level of COVID-19 community transmission, fueled by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. It is the responsibility of every government and every citizen to make a determined effort to combat the spread of the virus. 

As a result of the high transmission level and the spread of the Delta variant, the City Council has adopted a resolution that requires all employees and visitors, whether fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated, to wear a mask when entering City buildings and facilities, and/or indoor events sponsored by the City. 

For recreation facilities (i.e. the Recreation Center and Ice Rinks), the following shall apply: 

Facemasks are to be worn appropriately (over the nose and mouth) at all times while inside a recreation facility unless players are unable to tolerate a face covering for physical activity (e.g. practicing, playing); provided, however, that coaches, trainers, and other individuals who are not directly engaged in physical activity are required to wear a face covering. Upon leaving the activity area for any reason, the facemask must again be appropriately worn. 

This resolution took effect Monday, Aug. 23. Your cooperation is appreciated. 

Programs for Young Children 

These programs are designed for a caregiver and child to engage in together, socialize, learn, and meet new friends. 

Roc-N-Tots and Baby Jamboree: Fun music and movement classes. Roc-N-Tots is Wednesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for ages 18 months to 2 yrs. and 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for ages 2-5 yrs. Baby Jamboree is Thursday from 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. 

Outdoor Story Time: A new class that combines a story time with activities and an art project. Thursdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for toddlers and 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. for preschoolers. 

Toddler Sensory Play Group: A new outdoor play group where children can explore fun and messy sensory activities. Tuesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for ages 18 months to 3 years. 

Dance Classes 

Tiny Tutus: Children learn the basics of ballet in this beginner class for ages 3-5 yrs. Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:10 p.m., Saturdays from 10:10 to 10:55 a.m. or 11:05 to 11:50 a.m. 

Twinkle Toes: Ballet and tap classes are combined in this class for ages 4- 6 yrs. Tuesdays from 6:15 to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. 

Youth Sports Leagues

Soccer: A developmental league that combines practice and game time in one session. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. Saturdays from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. for ages 3-4 yrs. and 10:40 to 11:15 a.m. for ages 4-6 yrs.

T-ball and Baseball: These leagues combine practice and skills building with a game at the end. Volunteer parent coaches are needed. T-ball (4-6 yrs.) on Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Baseball (6-8 yrs.) on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 12 to 2 p.m. Start time for leagues will alternate based on the game schedule. 

Sports Skills and Drills

Little Rookies: This class introduces a different sport every week for children ages 3-5 yrs. Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1 p.m. or Saturdays from 9 to 9:30 a.m. 

Basketball: Classes for all ages and skill levels. Mondays: ages 4-5 yrs. from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., ages 6-7 yrs. from 4:50 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays: ages 8-10 yrs. from 4:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Beyond the Basics (ages 10-14 yrs.) from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturdays: girls’ basketball ages 6-9 yrs. from 9 to 9:50 a.m., girls’ basketball ages 10-12 yrs. from 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. 

Volleyball: Learn the fundamentals of volleyball in this coed class for ages 10-15 yrs. Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5 p.m. 

Archery 

Youth Intro: Teaches the fundamentals of archery, safety, and equipment use for ages 8-13 yrs. Saturdays from 2 to 3 p.m. or Sundays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. 

Teen and Adult Intro: Introductory class for ages 14+. Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. 

Longshots Club: This program teaches archery skills and introduces competition in a fun team environment for ages 10-16 yrs. Saturdays from 3 to 4 p.m. 

Teen Leadership Club

Leaders club provides participants grades 8-12 with opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. Held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Kristi Savage at Kristi.savage@srymca.org or 518-583-9622 ext. 123. 

The Saratoga YMCA has programs for everyone from toddler and parent classes to youth sports, to teen and adult archery. Check out everything the Y has to offer to keep your family healthy, active, and learning. Registration is open! Classes run Sept. 13 to Oct. 31. For more information visit www.srymca.org 

SARATOGA COUNTY — Saratoga County 4-H will be hosting a Fishing Derby for youth of military families on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will take place at the 4-H Training Center on Middleline Rd. in Ballston Spa. Youth participants will receive a free fishing pole, and youth and families will receive t-shirts. Lunch will also be provided to all participants. 

Space is limited to 50 youth plus their families. You must pre-register. If you have any questions or to register, please contact the 4-H at CCE Saratoga at 518-885-8995.