TROY — Classical music radio station WMHT-FM has added a new host/producer to its lineup: Charlotte Evelyn Wilson.

Wilson previously worked at Radio New Zealand, where, according to WMHT, she managed a nationwide campaign protesting the government’s decision to “axe” the country’s only classical music station. The campaign resulted in an apology from New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, and the station stayed on the air. Wilson was also a public radio host at KBAQ classical radio in Phoenix, AZ and at NPR member station WUOT in Knoxville, TN.

“I am gratified to be joining the team at Classical WMHT-FM,” Wilson said in a statement. “I am a music and art fiend who fell in love with the diversity, opportunity, culture and friendliness of the US, and can’t wait to connect with our audience.”

Wilson began her hosting duties on Tuesday, and can be heard on WMHT-FM from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The New York Racing Association (NYRA) revealed its 2024 Belmont Stakes logo on Wednesday. This year’s event will be hosted at the Saratoga Race Course while Belmont Park undergoes renovations. The new logo features the Saratoga grandstand and pays tribute to the track’s storied past. The image will be displayed during the event and on official merchandise.

The Saratoga grandstand’s spired roofline was designed by architect Herbert Langford Warren. According to NYRA, the grandstand is the oldest continuously used stand of any professional sport in the country.

 The 2024 Belmont Stakes will begin on Thursday, June 6 and end on Sunday, June 9. Tickets go on sale next month.

WILTON — Winslow’s Restaurant in Wilton, first built in 1948, is entering a new era after 75 years of family ownership. Jeff Baker, grandson of the original owners, announced last week that he’s sold the business.  

“Most of you know that I got hurt last winter, I’m still not fully recovered,” Winslow wrote in a Facebook post. “The opportunity popped up to sell the restaurant, so I felt it was probably the right thing to do. The new owners are going to keep it Winslows [and] add some new dimensions.” 

Jeff Baker began working at the restaurant in 1984, according to Winslow’s website. He’s a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He purchased the restaurant from his grandmother in 1989. 

“These past 40 years have been a real blast. There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but mostly ups,” Baker said. “I tried to keep the restaurant the way my grandparents did, and I met so many people along the way, both customers and employees, so many really good people.” 

Winslow’s Restaurant is located at 801 Saratoga Road
in Wilton.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York (BEST) has named Nancy Underwood as its new executive director. Underwood previously directed BEST’s work at the Saratoga Race Course from 2014 until the end of 2023. Last year, BEST opened a health care clinic on the Oklahoma side of the track.

“BEST is successful because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers and healthcare providers,” said Underwood. “I am honored for the opportunity to lead this organization at a time when the future of thoroughbred racing in New York State is so bright.”

Underwood succeeds Paul Ruchames, who retired in December after serving as BEST’s executive director for 14 years.

According to its website, BEST is a nonprofit organization “devoted to resolving the health and social needs of the several thousand barn area (“backstretch”) workers of the Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks by providing on-site counseling and primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management assistance.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dorinda Medley, star of the hit Bravo reality series “The Real Housewives of New York City,” will be a special guest at Hattie’s Mardi Gras fundraiser party at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Saturday, January 27.  

The beneficiary of this year’s event is the SEAT Center Culinary Lab, an organization that trains young people for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. Ed and Lisa Mitzen, co-founders of Business for Good, will host the party. 

Hattie’s Mardi Gras will feature New Orleans-style food, as well as live music from DJ Fernando Bustamente and Garland Nelson with Soul Session.  

“Hattie’s Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties of the year and with Dorinda in the house, we know it will be a night to remember,” said Ed Mitzen.  

Last year, more than $100,000 was raised for charity. Tickets for this year’s event can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/mardi-gras-2024-tickets-770572401797. 

TROY — WMHT Public Media, a radio and television organization based in the Capital Region, has named Patrick Carpenter its new vice president, chief advancement officer. 

Carpenter previously served as senior director of development for New England Public Media, where he led a fundraising team and increased mid-level fundraising by 70% last year, according to WMHT. 

WMHT Public Media’s services include WMHT-DT (17.1), WMHT-Create (17.2), WMHT-World (17.3), WMHT PBS Kids (17.4), WMHT-FM 89.1 & WRHV-FM 88.7 (classical public radio), and WEXT Radio 97.7/106.1 (AAA public radio). 

For more visit wmht.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Designer Staci Snider’s fashion store in downtown Saratoga Springs closed its doors at the end of December. Snider will relocate to Raleigh, North Carolina, according to a statement released on the company’s social media pages. Snider’s garments will continue to be made in New York City and available for sale online.

Snider Fashion, formerly located at 18 Congress Street, first opened its doors in 2019.  

BALLSTON SPA — Stewart’s Shops’ annual Holiday Match program raised $2 million for local children’s charities this year. Customers donated $1 million, with Stewart’s contributing the rest. The money will be distributed over the next few months across New York and Vermont.

“Even during uncertain economic times, our customers continue to amaze me with their generosity,” said Stewart’s COO Chad Kiesow.

Stewart’s Holiday Match fundraiser began in 1986, and has raised more than $38 million since then. According to Stewart’s, the company does not charge any administrative fees, meaning that all of the funds are re-distributed into the community. 

Stewart’s is currently accepting applications for Holiday Match funds until the end of the month. Local 501c3 charitable groups that benefit children can apply online at stewartsshops.com. The funds will be distributed by the end of March.