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Local Golfer Off To PGA Jr. Nationals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Clarkie Carroll, a local athlete and 2021 Saratoga Springs graduate, is headed to the Jr. PGA Championships on July 12. 

Carroll started playing golf in his pre-teen years after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Unable to play lacrosse or other contact sports because of the chemotherapy and hip surgery he underwent, Carroll took up golf instead. 

“I golf pretty much every day now,” said Carroll. “It has become a part of my daily routine.” 

Practice pays off. Not only has Carroll played on the varsity golf team at Saratoga Springs when they won three consecutive Sectional Titles, but he made the state team in 2019 and was a Section II All-Star this past year. 

July 5 and 6, Carroll competed against 30 other young golfers in the NENY (Northeastern New York) Jr. PGA Championships at the Town of Colonie Golf Course. He went 74-64-138 to win the championship by 9 strokes.

“It felt good to finally have stuff click,” Carroll said about this experience playing in the tournament.

And it must have been an experience trying to balance end-of-the-year high school events and golfing, as Carroll’s high school prom was right after his first round of the NENY Jr. PGA Tournament. 

“I hustled back [after prom],” he said. “Thankfully I had a late tee time, so it all worked out.” 

Carroll is currently ranked as the top Northeastern New York player of the year (Boys 16-18) on the NENY PGA Jr. website. He advances to the Jr. PGA Championships, July 12 – 15, at Kearney Hills Golf Links in Lexington, Kentucky. 

“There will be a lot of really good competition there,” said Carroll. “I’m excited to go.” 

Saratoga Springs Graduates 495

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Spring’s Class of 2021 walked across the stage at SPAC in a traditional ceremony without COVID restrictions on Friday, June 25. 

At Saratoga Springs High School’s 148th commencement ceremony, 495 students graduated as the Class of 2021. They are headed to 164 different colleges and universities in 33 states over five different countries. Five members of the class have made the commitment to serve the country in the Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. 

The Class of 2021 President, Kendal McCloskey, opened the ceremony with cheers from the crowd early on in her welcoming speech:

“It was not so long ago that this moment, along with so many other senior moments, seemed unlikely to become a reality,” said McCloskey. “Through the hard work and dedication of so many citizens around the world, and our own perseverance and commitment, we are able to gather for this celebration together, in person, instead of a long line of slow-moving cars and the inevitable glitch of a Zoom call.”

Following an announcement from Governor Andrew Cuomo just over a week before the ceremony took place, students and guests no longer had to follow strict COVID restrictions and requirements. All were welcome to attend without a ticket, when previously each graduate was limited to two tickets for guests. There was no assigned seating in pods, no social distancing or capacity requirements, and no proof of vaccinations or negative test result required. However, masks were required to be worn by unvaccinated persons, per NYS Department of Health regulations. 

“Just a few weeks ago we were not sure if this celebration could be possible,” said Michael Patton, Superintendent of Schools. “The dedicated members of our high school graduation committee have been working extremely hard for the past several months, exploring and planning every possible scenario for today.”

The graduation rehearsal on Tuesday, June 22 and the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 25 were the first times the Class of 2021were all together this school year. And there was a very popular word used amongst the speakers to describe the graduating class – resilience. 

“You have successfully navigated one of the most challenging times that public education has ever faced,” said Patton to the graduating class.

Graduates and faculty alike gave great thanks to the community in their speeches. 

“We will always be shaped by this community,” said Julian Silva-Forbes, Salutatorian. “That might be a 9th grade lunch table turning into a lifelong group of friends, a favorite elective turning into a college major, or a volunteering experience turning into a favorite career. The lessons we learned from each other and from our great teachers will always be a part of us.”

Silva-Forbes encouraged his peers to continue to create a community in the places they land after graduation. English teacher Jill Cowburn put together a video in which Saratoga Springs graduates from the last decade congratulated this year’s graduating class, gave them advice, and welcomed them to the working community. 

The Class of 2021 further showed their appreciation for the community by giving $500 each to the Class of 2022, 2023, and 2024, and $500 to the school newspaper, The Lightening Rod, as their Class Gift. On behalf of their peers, the Class Officers spoke on how they are hoping to “ensure that future generations of Saratoga Springs High School students can have as memorable of an experience as we did.”

Jason Zheng, Valedictorian, shared some of the fond and funny memories that the class had during their high school journey at Saratoga Springs, and as they matured into the leaders they are today.

“Look back to your childhood dreams, countless aspirations, and the ‘I want to be this when I grow up.’ Look back to any time in your life when you were truly happy and recapture that moment,” said Zheng. “Then set out on this new chapter of your life and accomplish whatever you told yourself you would accomplish when you were little – that is a true leader.” 

Airport Upgrades? Saratoga County Explores Options

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For its 80th birthday, Saratoga County Airport may be getting a facelift. 

Initially developed in 1942 and designated as necessary for national defense, the county airport was built as a Civil Aeronautics Administration project. Fed by a small two-lane road, the airport consists of two 4,000-foot runways with parallel and connecting taxiways and houses a main metal hanger that was built about 60 years ago. 

Two recent unrelated events – the announcement of available funding in a new Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Initiative, and land adjacent to the airport potentially becoming obtainable for purchase – may literally alter the landscape of the airport in the near future. 

What it does not mean, officials quickly point out, is a physical expansion of airport runways.   

In late May, Gov. Cuomo announced $250 million would be made available as a new upstate airport economic development and revitalization initiative, with $230 million targeting projects that promote and accelerate improvements at upstate commercial passenger service airports, and $20 million to be allocated to support safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects at smaller airports. 

The planning, design and construction of terminal expansion or rehabilitation is listed as one example of activities eligible for funding. 

“There have been some major renovations down at LaGuardia, and at JFK, so the governor is saying to upstate airports: hey we don’t want to leave you out and we’re happy to fund some improvements,” said Matthew Veitch, city Supervisor, and chairman of county Buildings and Grounds Committee which counts the airport as among its responsibilities. 

“We feel one of the things our airport lacks is a good terminal building. The idea would be to enhance the airport with some sort of better terminal for both – the experience of people arriving in Saratoga County and also for the people who are waiting there for people to arrive,” Veitch said. 

Saratoga County Airport is one of 24 public-use airports eligible for the competition, which also includes the Adirondack Regional Airport, the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, the Schenectady County Airport and the Albany International Airport Authority. Funding applications are due by Sept. 15. Candidate projects will be evaluated on their ability to meet eligibility criteria and also be ranked in a scoring process.

“The minimum award is $5 million, and we would be looking at something north of that,” said Chad Cooke, the county’s commissioner of public works. “We’re at that (discussion) stage right now, where we’re refining ideas moving forward.” The county’s DPW has operated the airport since the Airport was turned over to the county in 1969. 

The revitalization initiative could potentially fund improvements to the airport’s warehouse-looking terminal building, as well as site a café and business center. 

Runway Protection Zones

A second aspect of discussion related to the airport are runway protection zones. 

“The immediate thing we’re looking at is related to safety at the airport,” Veitch said. “There are a couple of properties located within what is called the runway protection zone. The FAA requires us to look at those areas and evaluate them for safety purposes.  At the end of the runway is a trapezoidal shaped area we try to keep clear of any obstructions if there would be an issue of a plane having to land outside of the runway area. This could be houses, trees, anything higher than a certain point. We’re asked to evaluate those areas, and if possible, acquire property to keep those areas clear of obstruction.” 

Cook says the zones – which are basically flat land buffers around the airport – have always existed, but two of the specific have become available for acquisition. “When this happens the FAA always encourages airport owners to seek acquisition of those properties, essentially so you can maintain vegetation growth so planes can safely descend and climb when approaching or leaving the runway.” 

One property is on Rowland Street and has a home on it. Were the county to purchase it, the land would be cleared and the existing structure potentially taken down. “Would we try to forcibly acquire that? We wouldn’t do that. We would only do it if it was available for purchase,” Veitch said.    

The other property, a roughly 20-acre undeveloped parcel, is located on the northwest side of the airport, adjacent to Stone Church Road. Only a portion of the entire parcel is located in the runway protection zone, and were the county to purchase it, Veitch said that the property could possibly be left as open space and used for public use such as trails. 

“We are in discussions with the FAA right now about seeking reimbursement through grant funds for those (potential) purchases. These types of arrangements are something supported by the FAA typically, but the county would need to pay for them first and seek reimbursement,” Cooke said. 

“We would know going into this if the FAA was going to support that and it’s typically about making an aeronautical justification for purchasing the property., so anything that’s inside the Runway Protection Zone is a pretty easy case to make for purchasing that. If you’re purchasing a property that’s partially in the Runway Protection Zone, the FAA may make that a bit more difficult in terms of justifying purchasing the entire piece versus the piece that’s just in the Runway Protection Zone. So that’s where we are right now, in discussions with them about that,” Cooke said. 

During the county’s Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting in June, Turner Bradford, senior engineer at McFarland-Johnson, explained to the committee that the purchase of both parcels would potentially be 95% reimbursed – 90% by the FAA and 5% by DOT. While the county would be required to initially pay for the purchase, under this formula, it would essentially be paying 5% in costs after reimbursement.   

Milton Town Supervisor Benny Zlotnick expressed concern about the county potentially expanding the airport if it acquires the properties. Veitch said the current airport master plan does not include expanding the runways or making them longer in any way.

“One of the things we’re not doing at the airport – and we should make this clear – we’re not expanding our runway area or making it longer. So that limits the type of plane that can come to Saratoga County – smaller jets and smaller propellor planes, those kinds of things. We’re not looking at commercial service or any kind of airline coming here. It’s really the same kind of operation, with a better experience.” 

The county Buildings and Grounds Committee meets Tuesday, July 6 at 4:30 p.m.  To listen in, call 1-978-990-5145, Access Code: 1840389. A full county board meeting next takes place in Ballston Spa on July 15. 

Grosso Receives Rich Johns Tennis Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School senior Nick Grosso is this year’s recipient of the Rich Johns Tennis Award. The award was presented to him at the Blue Streaks Sports Award Ceremony on June 17 by Rich Johns himself. The Rich Johns Tennis Award goes to the most outstanding boys’ tennis players. 

“There could not be a more deserving young man to receive this award,” said Rich Johns. “Not only has Nick rewritten the record books as a tennis player, but has shown tremendous character throughout this high school career.” 

Ticket Sale Dates & Dining Reservations for 2021 Meet at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced ticket sale dates for all hospitality areas, including tickets for individual days, for the 2021 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, which opens Thursday, July 15 and continues through Monday, Sept. 6.

Grandstand season passes and NYRA Bets gift cards will be available for purchase at more than 150 participating Capital Region Stewart’s Shops on Monday, June 21.

Grandstand season passes will be available for $50 through July 18. A season pass provides fans with admission to all 40 days at Saratoga Race Course. Season passes do not include reserved seating. Grandstand season passes may be purchased online at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Clubhouse season passes are $75.

Stewart’s Shops is also the exclusive retailer of NYRA Bets Gift Cards, which are available in $50 denominations and can be used to bet Saratoga Race Course and hundreds of other tracks online with NYRA Bets. NYRA Bets Gift Cards are available at Stewart’s Shops through Sunday, Sept. 5. 

Please visit stewartsshops.com for locations. 

Single-day tickets for reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and The Stretch will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. 

Single-day reservations for tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar, Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, and The Rail at the 1863 Club will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. 

Single-day dining reservations in the Turf Terrace, The Porch, and Club Terrace will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. 

Season and weekly ticket plans are currently on sale at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Group hospitality reservations are currently available via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or by phone at 844-NYRA-TIX. Tables in the Festival Tent may be reserved via Ticketmaster.com. 

For more information about hospitality and dining areas at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

AIM Services Croquet on the Green Event Aug. 3

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — AIM Services, Inc., one of the area’s largest providers of support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced the Eighth Annual Croquet on the Green Tournament & Garden Party is scheduled for Aug. 3 at Gavin Park in Wilton. 

Croquet on the Green Tournament & Garden Party, AIM Services’ signature summer event, is an outdoor party and amateur croquet tournament with teams of two, and is open to all ages, abilities, and skill. The event was successfully reinvented in 2020 because of COVID-19 and still raised more than $44,000 through a virtual “play on your own” activity that also helped support local businesses at a time where they needed it most. AIM is excited to be back in-person this year, with added surprises and an impressive list of sponsors. 

The annual Croquet on the Green event is officially sanctioned through the United States Croquet Association (USCA). Knowledgeable Croquet players will be on hand to guide the game. 

Returning this year is the event’s Honorary Chairman, Retired Hall of Fame Jockey, Ramon Dominguez. Sponsors and Honorary Committee members will attend a special pre-event party, The Hour of Potential, with Dominguez and other major supporters. 

“Among the people who receive services from AIM are those with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),” said Dominquez. “As a jockey who had to retire early due to a head injury, I know that AIM gives people with TBIs a chance at living their most independent life possible.” 

Nearly 54 million people annually experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Formed in 1979, AIM Services, Inc. is a 501c (3) non-profit organization providing residential and community-based services to people with physical and intellectual disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injuries and those who are looking for nursing home transition or diversion. 

For more information on how to support AIM Services’ Croquet on the Green contact Marissa Romero at
mromero@aimservicesinc.org or visit www.aimservicesinc.org/events/croquet.

DEC’s First Archery Range Opens in Wilton

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

WILTON — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the opening of the Saratoga Sand Plains Archery Range in the town of Wilton on Thursday, June 17. The public archery range, formerly known as Parcel 45 Wildlife Management Area, is the first of its kind in New York State and will provide a unique recreational opportunity for both novice and expert bow hunters and archers. 

The 50-yard archery range has 16 targets, eight adult lanes ranging from 15 to 50 yards, four youth lanes ranging from five to 20 yards, and four lanes accessed by an elevated platform ranging up to 40 yards. The elevated platform simulates shots from a tree stand when deer hunting and allows archers to practice shots from known yardages and angles, promoting safer shot placements for both urban and rural settings. Archers must use a full body harness and connect to the carabiners on the platform while using the elevated stand. 

“DEC’s first-ever archery range, Saratoga Sand Plains will encourage more New Yorkers to take up archery as a sport and help prepare hunters for the hunting season,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New and experienced bow and crossbow users will appreciate this opportunity to enjoy the recreational aspects of New York’s archery heritage. The range will also benefit the local community, and DEC thanks the town of Wilton and our other partners for their help to develop and open this new facility. 

The range was funded with approximately $15,000 with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program, New York State, and the town of Wilton. DEC worked closely with the town of Wilton on all phases of the project. The town donated time and materials, and town equipment helped clear trees and stumps, build the parking area, and construct the elevated platform. 

The archery range is close to several schools that participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and is a convenient location for the Saratoga County 4H Shooting Sports Program and DEC’s bowhunter education classes. 

The archery range is free and will be open and maintained year-round for public use during daylight hours. To protect public safety, visit www.dec.ny.gov for the rules and regulations that apply. 

Registration Open for 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women on Sept. 25

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

11-Week Training Challenge to Shape Up for Race Day Begins July 12

ALBANY — Online registration for the 43rd Freihofer’s® Run for Women, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m., is now open at freihofersrun.com. 

All registrants receive a high-performance women’s commemorative t-shirt, delicious Freihofer’s® products, chip timing, live results, printable finisher certificates, and post-race refreshments courtesy of Price Chopper Supermarkets. The registration fee is $30 through Aug. 30. 

Runners of all abilities looking to get in shape for the region’s premier all-women 5k can also sign up now for the Freihofer’s® Training Challenge, which begins Monday, July 12 at 17 sites in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Dutchess counties. 

The 11-week program, which costs $55, follows a beginner’s 5k training plan, and features weekly, small group training sessions led by mentors. Participants also receive emails with each day’s workout schedule, a tech shirt, and clinics on strength training, nutrition, run form, and injury prevention. A convenient virtual program is also offered for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away during the summer. For a $40 registration fee, participants receive weekly workout emails, a tech shirt, and the program’s educational resources sent electronically. 

The Training Challenge’s beginner’s program is for women who are new to running or are coming back after a break. The program starts with walking and jogging and progresses as the race date approaches. The intermediate program is for those who have completed a 5k or want more challenging workouts. The advanced program is for athletes ready for focused speed and distance workouts who should already be able to run 5 or more miles at a time.

To learn more and sign up for the Training Challenge, visit freihofersrun.com/events/training-challenge. Online registration through the 5k is the only method of registering. Registration closes on Sunday, July 25. A dedicated Training Challenge Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/freihoferstrainingchallenge. For more information, email khislop@freihofersrun.com

Dinosaurs In Motion: 14 Interactive Dinosaur Sculptures Coming To Saratoga in July

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Universal Preservation Hall presents Dinosaurs in Motion, a new, interactive, engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) exhibition for 84 days this summer and early fall. 

Dinosaurs in Motion engages and educates the visitors of all ages by using 14 fully interactive, recycled life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils. 

The life-sized metal sculptures weave science, art and innovation themes throughout and touches on each of these educational topics at each sculpture. The art portions highlight sketching, drawing, and sculpting; the science segments explore kinetics, biomechanics, and robotics; and the innovation areas encourage observing and experimenting. 

Exhibition: July 25-Oct. 15 at UPH. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 youth and are now on sale at universalpreservationhall.org. The event is presented by Adirondack Trust Company. 

UPH, located at 25 Washington St., is a partner in the Proctors Collaborative. NLH Property and AIM Services Inc. are additional underwriters of Dinosaurs in Motion.