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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Skidmore College: Controversy Continues

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — YAL backs ADF’s decision to take legal action against Skidmore College after denying student Hannah Davis to form a chapter of the organization on campus earlier this spring.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) sent a demand letter to Skidmore College last Friday (May 7), threatening litigation against the college if they do not immediately recognize Davis’s Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter to assemble. 

ADF’s Center for Academic Freedom is a legal team dedicated to protecting students’ freedoms of speech and association. YAL is the nation’s most active libertarian youth organization, with nearly 5,200 members at more than 400 colleges and universities across the country. In response to ADF taking legal action, YAL is officially speaking out in support of Davis and ADF. 

“It’s a shame that Skidmore College has chosen to sacrifice the values of truth, civil discourse, and real tolerance in the name of social justice,” YAL’s Chief of Staff, Sean Themea, said in a statement. “YAL stands with Hannah Davis, applauding this swift legal action from Alliance Defending Freedom to uphold her right to speak freely.”

ADF’s demand letter addresses Skidmore College President, Marc C. Conner, and begins as follows: 

“We represent Hannah Davis and Young Americans for Liberty, a student organization that seeks official recognition from your College…Your College promises every student robust freedom of speech and freedom to associate and form organizations on campus. But you have denied Ms. Davis the ability to form a YAL chapter because the student government labels YAL as a hate group. This is false and is quintessential viewpoint discrimination that violates Skidmore’s promises to its students. We urge you to rectify this decision immediately to avoid unnecessary litigation.”

The letter continues on, addressing how the college’s policies and promises to protect students’ First Amendment rights, as listed in the college’s Student Bill of Rights and the SGA Constitution have been violated.  The letter also details the hostility that Davis has experienced from fellow peers. ADF states that by refusing to allow the chapter, the college is “engaging in deceptive trade practices and false advertising under the New York Consumer Protection Act.” 

Saratoga TODAY reached out to Skidmore College for a comment. The college responded that, at this time, they do not have anything to share regarding the letter. 

ADF has given the college a deadline of May 21, 2021 to allow Davis to form her student chapter before legal action is taken. 

Providing Cover: New Roof for Local Veteran as Part of Roof Deployment Project

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A crew of workers descended this week upon the city’s east side, where U.S. Navy veteran Leslie Carroll received a new roof as part of the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project. The collaborative effort included Pinnacle Roofing, Glens Falls Habitat for Humanity, and Owens Corning. 

“We appreciate what the veterans do for the country, so we like to help out and try to pay them back,” said Jeff Patrick, co-owner of Pinnacle Roofing, a Schenectady-based company that has been taking care of roofs for residential homes and commercial buildings in the Capital Region and Southern Vermont for over 15 years. 

The project was established in 2016 by Owens Corning Roofing and its network of independent roofing Platinum Contractors to identify, honor and help protect veterans by installing new roofs. In its first year, 23 roofs were installed for military families across 14 states. To date, more than 250 military members have received new roofs.

Carroll was selected and approved as the recipient for the roof replacement. “This is our second one this year. We did one earlier this year in Corinth for another veteran up there, and we do several a year usually,” Patrick said. 

A team of 10 worked to remove the existing roof as well as some plywood due to roof leakage. The work was anticipated to be completed in less than two days. 

Owens Corning – which develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing and fiberglass composites – runs the Roof Deployment Project. The company donated roofing materials and Pinnacle Roofing donating the labor. The Saratoga Springs project would have cost about $10,000 to $12,000, Patrick said. 

For more information on the Roof Deployment Project, or to learn more about getting involved, email roofdeployment@owenscorning.com.   

Washington County Fair: Tons of Fun in ‘21

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

GREENWICH — The Washington County Fairground is opening the grounds and welcoming the community back to Old Schuylerville Road. This year they are bringing back some old favorites as well as new events to the community after a year of virtual communication.

Food Truck Fridays kick off Friday, May 7 with local band Kelly & Son. Food Truck Fridays will continue every Friday through the end of July. 

This spring will also host a delayed celebration of the newly completed Horse Arena with arena lighting made possible by the Glens Falls Foundation in 2020. To celebrate the arena’s completion, the Fairground will be hosting new equine events throughout the 2021 season. 

In conjunction with Food Truck Fridays, the second Friday of the month will star Gymkhana Under the Light, a Gymkhana series for all ages. 

On Sunday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be the Horse Tack Swap Meet. Admission to the event is a pet food item for the Comfort Food Pantry. Throughout the day, enjoy demonstrations by the Draft Horse Club and The Tri-County Liberty Club.

These are just a few events coming to the Washington County Fairgrounds in 2021. For more details and information visit washingtoncountyfairgrounds.com

Saratoga Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Season Opener

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

DELMAR — Saratoga Springs Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Team started their season against Bethlehem this past Tuesday. In a close away game for Saratoga, Bethlehem came away with the win, 11-8. 

For Saratoga, Thomas Bobear had 2 goals, Huck Patton had 3 goals and 2 assists, and Robby Fox had 1 goal and 5 assists. Will Kiernan and Graham Corcoran also scored 1 goal each 

For Bethlehem, Ben Cardinal had 2 goals and an assist, Tyler Richards had 4 goals and an assist, and Jackson Carrol had 1 goal and 2 assists. Jack Lucey and Greg Sanchez both recorded 1 goal and 1 assist. Nate Hussar and Jones Dane also scored 1 goal each. 

In goal for Saratoga, Owen Leary had 4 saves, allowing 7 goals, and Ian Whitcomb had 6 saves, allowing 4 goals. 

In goal for Bethlehem, Colin Novak had 6 saves and allowed 8 goals. 

Saratoga was originally scheduled to start off their season with a home game against Shaker, but that game has now been moved to June 4. 

American Pharoah, Todd Pletcher, and Jack Fisher Elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (KY), seven-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Todd Pletcher, and 13-time champion steeplechase trainer Jack Fisher comprise the National Museum of Racing’s 2021 Hall of Fame class. American Pharoah and Pletcher were elected in the contemporary category in their first year of eligibility, and Fisher was chosen by the Museum’s Steeplechase Review Committee, which meets once every four years. 

The class of 2021 will be enshrined along with the 2020 inductees – trainer Mark Casse, jockey Darrel McHargue, horses Tom Bowling and Wise Dan, and Pillars of the Turf Alice Headley Chandler, J. Keene Daingerfield, Jr., and George D. Widener, Jr. – on Friday, Aug 6., at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. An announcement regarding public attendance at the ceremony will be made at a later date. 

For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, please visit www.racingmuseum.org.

Schuylerville Varsity Soccer Ends the Season with a Win

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Gloversville visited Schuylerville for the final game of the Fall 2 season. Schuylerville opened up the scoring 7 minutes in when Liam Armstrong sent a cross that Matt Stampfli finished for the early lead. The Horses would create some opportunities, but it was Gloversville who would find the equalizer when Doug Cook found the back of the net with 10 minutes remaining in the half. The second half was much like the first half, as Schuylerville’s Reid Rockhill sent a ball across the middle and Sam Tyler placed it past the keeper for a 2-1 lead. Schuylerville would see it out and come away with the 2-1 win. Both teams played a clean, great soccer game. Griffin Brophy had 2 saves for the Horses, and Justin Kemmet had 10 saves for Gloversville. The Horses saw 5 seniors play their last game and will be greatly missed – Cam Wian, Garrett Hutchinson, Troy Soriano, Matt Stampfli, and Nick O’Leary. 

Schuylerville Varsity Football Wins Class C Championship

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Schuylerville — Schuylerville Varsity Football faced Hoosick Falls in the Class C Championship on Saturday, May 1. They finish their season undefeated, with a 34-15 win over Hoosick Falls to claim the title. 

The first points of the game went to Schuylerville, when a failed punt by Hoosick Falls was recovered by Abruscato in the end zone. The 2 pt. conversion was completed by Dwyer. 

In the second quarter, Dwyer scored on a 47 yd TD (2 pt. conversion unsuccessful). O. Sherman also scored on a 25 yd TD (2 pt. conversion unsuccessful). 

In the third quarter, McGarrahan scored on a 12 yd TD, and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by Dow to O. Sherman. 

Hoosick Falls got on the board in the fourth quarter, when Mackey scored on a 59 yd TD pass from D’Agostino (kick was good). Colegrove returned the ensuing kick for a 75 yd TD, and the 2 pt. conversion was completed by D’Agostino to Blake. 

Schuylerville wrapped up their scoring in the fourth quarter with a 15 yd TD pass from O. Sherman to Bowen (2 pt. conversion unsuccessful). 

Schuylerville had 313 total yards. Dwyer rushed for 73 yds on 6 carries and 1 TD, O. Sherman rushed for 35 yds on 8 carries and 1 TD, Dow rushed for 47 yds on 4 carries, and McGarrahan rushed for 28 yds on 9 carries and 1 TD. O. Sherman was 7/15 on passing attempts for 121 yds with 1 TD. Receiving, Dow had 3 catches for 69 yds and Bowen had 3 catches for 43 yds and 1 TD. On defense, Max had a sac and Abruscato had a fumble recovery in the end zone for a TD. 

Hoosick Falls had 204 total yards. Their top rusher was Nealon who had 24 carries for 79 yds. D’Agostino was 9/13 on passing attempts for 137 yds with 1 TD. Receiving, Mackey had 5 catches for 89 yds and 1 TD, Colegrove had 2 catches for 24 yds, and Blake also had 2 catches for 24 yds. On defense for Hoosick Falls Mackey had a sac. 

Saratoga Apple Orchard Hosts Cherry Blossom Festival on Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Saratoga Apple Orchard hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival, from Noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 8. 

The event will feature a farmers’ market and craft fair and live music all day long. There will be Mother’s Day flowers, gift baskets, 20-plus craft and art vendors, food trucks, artisan Tuscan pizza, barbecue, maple spun sugar, apple cider doughnuts and fresh apple and fruit pies, farm painted furniture, antiques, candles and more.

Vendors for the event include Specialties for Mom, Fancy Nails, Mulit Jewelry, Gift Baskets, Fresh Flowers and Plants, Muddy Trail Spices and Jerky.

Saratoga Apple Orchard is located at 1174 State Route 29 in Schuylerville. Phone: 518-695-3131. 

Trey Anastasio at SPAC

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Trey Anastasio has announced he will return to the hometown of Phish collaborator Tony Markellis next month for three solo shows at SPAC. Markellis died on April 29.

Attendance will be limited to 30% of full capacity and all seating – including lawn – will be sold in “pods“ that range in size from 2 to 4 fans. Each group of seats must be purchased all together.

Concert goers will also need one of these: Proof of a negative antigen COVID-19 test taken within six hours of the event start time, or Proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the day of the event, or proof of vaccination. The type of vaccination proof required was not specified. For ticket information visit: trey.com/tour 

SPAC “Classical Kids” Will Return Virtually May 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s flagship in-school program, “Classical Kids,” is set to return in a virtual format. 

Programs partnered with resident companies New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra will take place from May 10-28, and will reach more than 24,000 students and 55 elementary and middle schools in the greater Capital Region. 

New for this year, two engaging video performances that were curated exclusively for Capital Region students will be presented. All 24,000 students who participate in the program will then receive a SPAC Student Lawn Pass, which grants the student and an accompanying adult free lawn admission to all ballet and orchestra performances at SPAC until their projected year of graduation from High School.     

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused SPAC to innovate and reimagine many of our events and performances and our Classical Kids program is no exception. While we typically partner with our incredible local musicians and dance troupes, this year we had the unique opportunity to present ballet and classical music from our very own resident companies,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a statement. 

The Classical Kids programs will feature excerpts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Steadfast Tin Soldier, performed by New York City Ballet and works by Beethoven and Dvořák, performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Both the dance and orchestra programs include an accompanying study guide, developed specifically for students.  Available to stream on demand from May 10-28, Classical Kids is scheduled to serve schools located in Albany, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Mongomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Rensselaer, Warren and Washington counties. 

To learn more on how to enroll your school, contact the SPAC Education Team at education@spac.org or visit spac.org for details. Classical Kids was made possible by CAP COM and Stewart’s Holiday Match Program.