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Philip Harrison Diamond 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Philip Harrison Diamond passed away March 20, 2021, after almost 4 years of a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Born January 17, 1936 to the late Estelle and Irving Diamond, he grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

After graduating college, Phil served in the Coast Guard eventually earning Lieutenant Commander status. He also held a helicopter pilot’s license and continued to serve in the reserves teaching navigation and firefighting. 

After initially working for Citigroup in Manhattan, Phil moved to Baltimore in 1966 to work for The Rouse Company with his first wife Marion (nee Schwartz). They had two sons, Mark Randall in 1963, and Craig Bentley in 1969.

While at The Rouse Company, Phil served as one of the original planners of the city of Columbia, MD and has his name inscribed at the base of a statue in the city center. Phil went on to work for the Veterans Administration for 30 years until his retirement. Phil eventually moved to Washington, DC, and later to Alexandria, VA with his second wife, Stella.

Retiring to Saratoga Springs with Stella, Phil immediately embraced being a local in many ways, contributing through SCORE, the Saratoga Hospital Board, the City Taxi Commission, the City State Authority, and the City Democratic Committee. If one asked, one got, and then some.

Ever the explorer and bon vivant, Phil loved to travel, café life at Uncommon Grounds, his Thoroughly Thoughtful book club, and many other social interactions. A self-described “foodie” he was an enthusiastic regular at local restaurants, and never met an anchovy he didn’t like.

Phil was a character, and an eternal optimist. He maintained friendships from kindergarten with lifelong pals Jerry, Zev, and Spencer. 

Phil was predeceased by his parents, Irving and Estelle (nee Kirschner), his sister Loraine Fishkind, son Mark Randall Diamond and wife Stella (nee Drebitko).

Phil is survived by his son Craig Diamond, daughter in-law Amy Diamond, granddaughters Allison and Megan Diamond, life partner of most of the last decade Pamela Lonergan, and many friends.

A service was held at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on March 25.

Special thanks to Dr. Edward Liebers, Dr. Tao, Community Hospice and their caring compassionate staffs.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Steve Rosenbach 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Steve Rosenbach passed away on February 24, 2021 at his home. Steve was born on July 23, 1955 in Saratoga Springs, the son of the late Jean and Arthur Rosenbach. Steve served two years in the Army and then returned to Saratoga Springs. While working at Spring City Cycle, he met and fell in love with his soon to be wife, Jill Sweet. Jill rode a motorcycle and the two of them hit it off right from the start. Steve went on to become a Security Officer at Skidmore College, where he worked until his retirement. Steve was an avid collector and loved going to auctions. He also loved his dogs and cats. Steve is survived by his wife, Jill Sweet and his brother, Ric Rosenbach. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to The Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Arrangements are under the direction of The William J Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 518-584-5373. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

RIP Steve. We miss you.

Bertha E. Frolish 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bertha E. Frolish, 95, passed away March 26, 2021 at home. A graveside service took place March 31, 2021 at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington County, 142 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Mary M. Brooks 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary Margaret Brooks, 72, died March 28, 2021, from complications of lung cancer. Calling hours are Monday, April 5, 2021, 4-7 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the Church of St. Peter. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.  Visit burkefuneralhome.com

SPAC Announces Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to Return to Saratoga Springs; Series Marks First Live Performances Presented by SPAC Since Pandemic-Cancelled 2020 Season

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center has partnered with Pitney Meadows Community Farm to bring back the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for its annual Saratoga Springs residency. 

Kicking off Sunday, June 13, the new “CMS at the Meadows” series marks the first live performances that SPAC has presented since the 2020 season was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The performances will be held in Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s beautiful High Tunnel greenhouse, adhering to carefully mapped out, socially-distanced seating and rigorous COVID-19 protocols. The maximum capacity is 200 people. 

 “We are blessed to have so much outdoor space in the park and its environs that we were inspired to bring our beloved chamber musicians back in a new and innovative location — right around the corner from the SPAC grounds,” said SPAC President and CEO Elizabeth Sobol, in a statement. “Instead of presenting CMS in their usual home in the Spa Little Theater, which presents COVID-era challenges, we are delighted to partner with Pitney Meadows Community Farm to give our community the opportunity to experience great music-making in a safe and beautiful outdoor setting surrounded by gardens and farmland.” 

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s reimagined 2021 season (June 13- Aug. 29) will feature masterpieces from Beethoven’s preeminent string quartets to Schumann’s timeless Piano Quartet in E-flat major, alongside the U.S. Premiere of Twelve Blocks by pianist Michael Brown. Also highlighting the residency is the return of co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han and the SPAC debut of the Calidore String Quartet.

The series will take place rain or shine at Pitney Meadows Community Farm, under the High Tunnel greenhouse, a large outdoor event space. Performances will all be 75 minutes long with no intermission. Socially distanced pods of two will be allocated and reserved for ticket buyers. Seats will be provided. 

Tickets will be available to purchase for $100-$120 per pod, and must be purchased in advance at spac.org. Subscriptions to all six programs, at either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m., will be available to purchase on April 1 for SPAC members and on April 6 for the general public. Single performance tickets will be available to purchase on April 12 for SPAC members and on April 16 for the general public. Tickets will not be available at the door.   

THE “CMS AT THE MEADOWS”SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:

Sunday, June 13 @ 3 & 6 P.M.
From Prague to Vienna. STELLA CHEN, violin, BELLA HRISTOVA, violin; MISHA AMORY, viola; SIHAO HE, cello; ANTHONY MCGILL, clarinet. 
Dvořák: Terzetto in C major for Two Violins and Viola, Op. 74 (1887). Mozart: Quintet in A major for Clarinet, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello, K. 581 (1789).   

Sunday, June 20 @ 3 & 6 P.M. 
The German Tradition. WU HAN, piano; ARNAUD SUSSMANN, violin; PAUL NEUBAUER, viola; DAVID FINCKEL, cello. 
Beethoven: Trio in G major for Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 9, No. 1 (1797-98). Schumann: Quartet in E-flat major for Piano, Violin, Viola, and Cello, Op. 47 (1842).   

Sunday, July 11 @ 3 & 6 P.M. 
Delectable Discoveries. DANBI UM, violin; HSIN-YUN HUANG, viola; NICHOLAS CANELLAKIS, cello; INBAL SEGEV, cello. 
Martinů: Duo No. 1 for Violin and Viola, “Three Madrigals” (1947). Glière: Selected Duos for Two Cellos, Op. 53 (1911). Arensky: Quartet No. 2 in A minor for Violin, Viola, and Two Cellos, Op. 35 (1894).   

Sunday, July 18 @ 3 & 6 P.M. 
U.S. Premiere. MICHAEL BROWN, piano; GILLES VONSATTEL, piano; ORION WEISS, piano. 
Barber: Souvenirs for Piano, Four Hands, Op. 28 (1951-52). Mendelssohn: Nocturne and Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Piano, Four Hands, Op. 61 (1843). Debussy: “Clair de lune” from Suite Bergamasque for Piano, Six Hands (arr. Anderson) (c. 1890, rev. 1905). Brown: (US Premiere) Twelve Blocks for Piano, Four Hands (2020-21). Ravel: La Valse for Piano, Four Hands (1920).   

Sunday, Aug. 8 @ 3 & 6 P.M. 
The Calidore Plays Beethoven. CALIDORE STRING QUARTET; JEFFREY MYERS, violin; RYAN MEEHAN, violin; JEREMY BERRY, viola; ESTELLE CHOI, cello. 
Beethoven: Quartet in F minor for Strings, Op. 95, “Serioso” (1810-11). Beethoven: Quartet in C major for Strings, Op. 59, No. 3, “Razumovsky” (1806).   

Sunday, Aug. 29 @ 3 & 6 P.M. 
All Schubert. WU HAN, piano; BENJAMIN BEILMAN, violin; DAVID FINCKEL, cello. 
Schubert: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, D. 574, Op. 162 (1817). Schubert: Trio No. 2 in E-flat major for Piano, Violin, and Cello, D. 929, Op. 100 (1827) 

All attendees will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire upon entry. Guests are required to wear a face mask at all times, regardless of proof of vaccination. Guests will be permitted to bring factory sealed water bottles and essential personal items only. Restrooms will be available with social distancing and enhanced cleaning and sanitation protocols in place in accordance with recommended guidelines. Free parking will also be available onsite. Visit spac.org for additional details. 

Property Transactions: March 20 – March 26, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Luke Skinner sold property at 21 Marilyn Dr to Lorraine MCConnelee for $266,000.

Vincent Raylinski sold property at 235 Round Lake Rd to Yolanda Fleurantin for $277,450.

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms LLC sold property at 18 Red Barn Dr to Jamie McCloskey for $396,362.

Scott Fulton as exec. sold property at 46 Pine Grove Ave to William Lane for $135,000.

Scott Ehler sold property at 20 Katharine Ct to Joseph Robyck for $370,000.

Burnt Hills Baptist Church sold property at 3 Ridge Terrace to Kevin Vicari for $228,900.

Stephen Swan sold property at 11 Knottingley Pl to Hwang Yung Tae for $490,000.

Michelle Kaptein sold property at 34 Long Creek Dr to Shane Billings for $480,000.

Annette Briendel sold property at 75 McMaster St to Mureen Gannon for $250,000.

Core Tech Industrial Corp sold property at 2A McCrea Hill Rd to CTI Properties LLC for $410,000.

Nick Pavavalos sold property at 786 Rt 50 to Grace Antoniou for $200,000.

CORINTH

Sharon Hickey sold property at 216 Ash St to Natasha Lent for $140,000.

GREENFIELD

Gale Hika sold property at 3 & 5 Lake Desolation Rd to Desolation Ventures Inc for $224,000.

Ann Hanafin sold property at 535 Locust Grove Rd to Peerless Grove LLC for $350,000.

Schuyler LLC sold property at 4444 NYS RT 9N to Jenna Leskovec for $267,000.

Cory Fitzpatrick sold property at 22 South Greenfield Rd to Michael Pellett for $415,000.

Kirchoff Rentals sold property at 187 Plank Rd to Julean Anderson for $224,900.

Suzanne Miller sold property at 120 Plank Rd to John Campbell for $228,900.

MALTA

William Belden sold property at 11 Northwood Ct to Samantha DeCann for $263,380.

Philip Sykes sold property at 1 Hillman Loop to Subhash Chand for $355,000

David Moore sold property at 25 Hillman Loop to Carol Filkins for $345,000.

Thomas McKnight sold property at 42 Larkspur Dr to Stephen Robyck for $315,980.

Amy Pierce sold property at 99 Arrowwood Place to Kaitlyn Rockwood for $185,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Melissa Alexander sold property at 316 Ballston Ave Unit D to Susan Dunn for $340,000

Boghosian Brothers Inc sold property at 57 Phila & 42-44 Henry St to 53 3rd St LLC for $1,750,000.

Jon Gurney sold property at 116 White St to David Neumann for $670,000.

Ian Mayhew sold property at 127 Division St to Arthur Dabrowski for $373,000.

Westside Realty Management sold property at 126 West Ave to B and D Properties LLC for $400,000.

Lucas  Somerwil sold property at 30 White St to David Merwitz for $570,500.

Joseph Devivo sold property at 7 Eastman Lane to Keith Johnston for $312,000

Samantha Schmitt sold property at 14 Hyde St to Christopher Shand for $600,000

Maureen Sager sold property at 154 Regent St to BAMF Realty Group LLC for $745,000.

WILTON

Katherine Shumulsky sold property at 2 Daffodil Dr to Catherine Harrison for $1,050,000.

Smith Bridge LLC sold property at 61 Smith Bridge Rd to John Karl for $672,394.

Jeffrey Pietrosanto sold property at 4265 Rt 50 to Weygand Enterprises for $377,500

Donna Selle sold property at 8 Damascus Dr. to Ronald Murray for $370,000.

March 26 – April 1, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, March 26

St. Luke’s on the Hill Annual Chowder Fest
40 McBride Rd., Mechanicville | 4 – 6:30 p.m. 
Drive-thru only. Choices are: Manhattan Clam Chowder, New England, Clam Chowder, Creamy Corn Chowder by the Quart $10 (served cold). Each quart will come with free single scoop Stewarts Ice cream certificate. Limit 4 Certificates per family, while supplies last. Pre-order call Tara 518-577-7772. Limited supply available day of event. 

Fish Fry Friday
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, 121 NY-32, Schuylerville | 4 – 7 p.m.
We have expanded our club house and invite you to come see our new addition. You are welcome to eat in or call ahead for take-out, 518-695-3917. Menu for dinners: Fish Fry, Chicken Tenders, Clam Strips, Popcorn Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Scallops and Chowder. Ask about our extras and specials and beverages. Everyone is invited, Covid 19 rules will apply. Every Friday thru April 10.

Fundraiser Takeout Fish Fry 
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Menu: Fried or baked haddock $14; fried clam strips $12 (includes French fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce); shrimp salad special (includes French fries and coleslaw), homemade macaroni and cheese $5; New England and Manhattan clam chowder $7 (pint) or $13 (quart); side of French Fries $3; and dessert $2.  Orders will be taken by calling 518-584-8547 each week prior to the event on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, beginning at 1 p.m. and will continue through until 4 p.m., except for Fridays, which will continue right up until the event or we run out of food. Pickup starts at 5 p.m. and every 15 minutes thereafter.  You are welcome to come into the building with a mask, or you may call from the parking lot upon your arrival with a description of your vehicle and your meal will be brought out to you. The event will be held each Friday during Lent through April 2.

Saturday, March 27

Tang at Home Studio: Living Landforms 
The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, Zoom | 11 a.m.
We will gather on Zoom to discuss our ideas about the artwork, engage in an art-making activity, and share our creations. This week, we explore Syd Carpenter’s sculpture Ellis and Anna Mae Thomas, on view in the exhibition Never Done: 100 Years of Women in Politics and Beyond. Carpenter, who is also a gardener, explores the histories of African American farmers and her own family’s history of farming in her sculptures to honor their untold legacies. We will look at how Carpenter “breathes life” into her sculpture as a metaphor for the living earth, and then create our own 3-D topographical maps with recycled materials found around the house. To ensure a fun sharing environment, registration is required. The live Saturday sessions are best suited for kids ages 5-12 and their adult companions, but everyone is welcome!

Chicken & Biscuit Drive-Thru Dinner
South Glens Falls United Methodist Church, 15 Maplewood Parkway | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Menu: Chicken and gravy with veggies, biscuit, soup, and homemade dessert. Adults $12. Pre-orders are recommended & delivery is available. Call 518-793-1152.

Gone but Not Forgotten
St. Luke’s on the Hill, 40 McBride Rd., Mechanicville | 4 p.m.
Grieving death through the disease of addiction. Turning Pain into Purpose – Heartache to healing, stigma to understanding.  We will be encouraging families of loss, have a memorial candle lighting, and listen to speakers share. Susan Hayes-Masa – Not in Vain/Megan’s Story & Advocacy; Ken & Maureen Provost/ RAIS – Comfort & Healing through Purpose; Lynne Curtis – Walking through the Greif Process. We will begin with the Eucharist at 4 p.m., followed by a BYO bag dinner at 5 p.m.; Speakers series at 5:30 p.m. 

Sunday, March 28

Slow Roll
Palette Café, 493 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 1 – 2 p.m.
Guided by Bikeatoga, we will bring the tunes for a leisurely paced guided group ride with bundled attendees. We anticipate approximately a 10mph pace (to stay warmer), looping through safe and quiet neighborhood streets. The ride begins at Palette. We end at Palette and Pint Sized with hot (or cold) beverages and snacks available for purchase. This event continues the SLOW ROLL rides that we hold the last Sunday of every month, held in participation with Bikeatoga, Bicycle Benefits, Impressions of Saratoga, Dark Horse Mercantile and Palette. www.thepalettecafe.com. 

Monday, March 29

Free Farmland Access Workshops
Virtual Class | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County and Saratoga PLAN have collaborated to bring a series of three Farmland Access Workshops. Designed for farmland owners and those looking to purchase farmland or diversify their farming operation. Sarah Miller, Attorney at Hodgeson & Russ LLP. This hour and a half will focus on legal considerations to explore when welcoming the public onto your farm. The workshops are free and open to all. To register, please contact Nicolina Foti, CCE Saratoga Agricultural Coordinator, at nvf5@cornell.edu or call the office 518-885-8995. To learn more about other events offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, please visit ccesaratoga.org and for more information on Saratoga PLAN and their work, please visit www.saratogaplan.org.

Tuesday, March 30

FrogWatch USA Training
Online via Zoom | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be participating again this year. During the training, you’ll learn about wetlands and how to report data on the calls of local frogs and toads. If you did the training last year, you could join us for a refresher! This year we are teaming up with Up Yonda Nature Center to put on the training. Registration is required to get the Zoom link. Call 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org to register.

Wednesday, March 31

Meatloaf Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
For curbside pick-up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order 518-584-2585. Menu: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad, roll, gravy. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only). 

Climate Change: Solutions from the National to the Local Level
Zoom Discussion | 6:45 p.m.
The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County Environmental Committee and Sustainable Saratoga invite you to join them for a conversation with Congressman Paul Tonko and a panel of student activists about addressing the climate crisis. The discussion will be moderated by Anne Ernst, Sustainable Saratoga board member and Senior Lecturer of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Skidmore College. Congressman Paul Tonko will discuss the actions and goals of the federal government regarding climate change, followed by a panel of local youth activists, who will discuss their experiences. For more information and to register, visit www.lwvsaratoga.org

Thursday, April 1

Create a Wildlife Habitat Garden
Zoom Presentation | 1 – 2 p.m.
Create a safe haven for pollinators such as birds and butterflies, as well as other backyard wildlife. Join Suzanne Balet Haight of Balet Flowers & Design for a discussion of how to create a garden that nurtures wildlife using native plants and eco-friendly gardening practices, to provide food, water, cover, and places to raise young. The National Wildlife Federation offers a Certified Wildlife Habitat program to ceritfy your garden as a habitat attractive to birds, butterflies, and other backyard wildlife. Please register online, www.sspl.org. Adult program.

Fermenting Vegetables
Zoom Presentation | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Learn how easy and fun it is to ferment foods at home, including sauerkraut and kim chi. This class will cover equipment, tips, and techniques for successful fermentation, including a demonstration. The health benefits of probiotic bacteria in fermented foods will be discussed. Taught by Diane Whitten, Certified Master Food Preserver, Cornell Cooperative Extension. To register, contact dwhitten@cornell.edu, or call 518-885-8995. FREE

March 26 – April 1, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Takeout Fish Fry
Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa, will host a Fish Fry on Friday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu will include fish fry, fries and coleslaw. The cost is $10 (cash only). Beverages available for an additional $1. To place your order call 518-885-1149 or simply email BPOE2619@verizon.net. Advanced orders are strongly encouraged by April 1.  Additional quantities available at the door while supplies last. Proceeds support Elks Charities. Ballston Spa Elks will proudly make a donation to the Union Fire Station while their annual Fish Fry is on hold this year.

Dining with Diabetes
A program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County online via Zoom at noon on Tuesdays beginning April 6. No fee. Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe ideas provided. Time provided for Q&A. Diabetes and Covid19 will be discussed. Diane Whitten, Cornell Cooperative Extension nutrition educator, will present helpful tips and facilitate discussion, guest speakers will include a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. For help with Zoom or other program details contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County- 518-885-8995, or email Diane at dwhitten@cornell.edu.

Auditions for Robin Hood
Malta Spotlighter’s Theatre Troupe – Auditioning children (ages 10+), teens and adults, Sunday April 11 from 2–4 p.m. or Monday April 12 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Malta Community Center, One Bayberry Drive, Malta.  Especially needed: Teen and adult men! Auditions will be scheduled in small groups and by appointment only. All Covid-19 protocols will be explained when requesting your appointment. Rehearsals will begin April 19 and run most Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons until performances. Performances are tentatively slated over two weekends, June 12 and 13, and June 19 and 20, subject to Covid-19 limitations at the time. Contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411 x305 to schedule your audition or for additional information.

Fly Casting Clinic
The Capital District Fly Fishers will be holding its annual Fly Casting Clinic, Saturday, May 1 at the Town of Halfmoon Park, with a rain date of Sunday May 2. The park is located at 162 Rte. 236, Halfmoon. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Learn to cast or get help to improve your casting skills.  If you have a rod, bring it. If you do not one will be provided. $20 fee to cover cost. For more information contact Rodney Priddle 518-421-6762, Paul at 518-885-8257 or cdflyfishers@nycap.rr.com. All participants must wear a mask and have eye protection. To register email to RodneyPriddle@gmail.com. Please include name (names), phone number and if you are experienced or new to fly casting.

Horse Tack Swap Meet
To celebrate the completion of the new Horse Arena the Washington County Fairgrounds will be kicking off the 2021 season with a Horse Tack Swap Meet on Saturday, May 8 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Get rid of your gently used horse-related tack and equipment! Businesses and non-profits with equine-related services are welcome to apply for booth space as well. Booth Spaces are $10 for a 10×10 booth – set up a table or bring your horse trailer or truck to display your items for sale. Booth signs ups are available on the Washington County Fairground website or by calling the Fairgrounds at 518-692-2464. Thoughout the day equine demonstrations on equine care and equine-related events will be presented by the Washington County Draft Animal Association and the Tri-State Liberty Club will be happening throughout the grounds. 

New Childcare Center at Saratoga Race Course to Serve Backstretch Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association this week installed the sign for the forthcoming Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) childcare center at Saratoga Race Course, which is set to begin serving families and children of the backstretch community in summer 2021.

Located on the Oklahoma side of the Saratoga backstretch, the colorful sign for the 4,300-square-foot childcare center features the BCCA logo underneath the facility’s official name: Faith’s House. Funded by Michael and Lee Dubb, the center is named in honor of Faith Dubb, mother of BCCA founder and board chairman Michael Dubb.

Faith’s House will provide child care and early education programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. The center will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of backstretch workers and horsemen. 

The anticipated summer 2021 opening coincides with the annual summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which brings approximately 950 backstretch workers and their families to the Spa. The opening of the new center is contingent upon licensing approval from New York State and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Skidmore Helps to Save the Amazon

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Skidmore College faculty member and recent Skidmore graduate have collaborated with 28 scientists from across the globe to publish the first study to suggest that the Amazon rainforest is most likely having a net warming effect on global climate.

Lead author Kris Covey, visiting assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences at Skidmore, and 2020 Skidmore graduate Zoe Pagliaro have co-authored the study “Carbon and Beyond: The biogeochemistry of climate in a rapidly changing Amazon” which was published March 11 in Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. 

Covey and Pagliaro attended the National Geographic Society’s special convening of 30 scientists in Manaus, Brazil in July 2019, from which this paper resulted. Pagliaro was the only undergraduate student to attend, and played a key role in compiling into a single table the majority of studies that have explored forest biophysical climate feedbacks in the Amazon over the past 10 years. The table was used to seed discussions among the scientists for this first-of-its-kind assessment of the Amazon rainforest’s cumulative climate impact.

The study is the most comprehensive assessment to date of the myriad human and natural causes that contribute to the Amazon’s complex interactions with climate.   

The findings have already received national and international attention in outlets including Fast Company and National Geographic and by environmental activists such as Greta Thunberg.

For additional information about Covey and Pagliaro’s work or collaborative research at Skidmore College contact smiga@skidmore.edu.