SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ashley Bernath, then known as Ashley Johnson grew up in Saratoga Springs and today makes her home in Massachusetts with Ryan Bernath and their two daughters.
Last October, the Bernaths’ then three-month-old daughter, Lucy, developed COVID and was admitted to a Massachusetts hospital with respiratory distress. While at the hospital, the girl developed Gastroparesis, a feeding aversion, and a secondary respiratory illness that required extended hospitalization.
Lucy, whom is nicknamed “Little Lulu,” remained in the hospital until December, when she received a gastrostomy tube. Today, she is still nourished via feeding tube and requires full-time attention and the support of the Mass General Hospital Aerodigestive team, but is doing better.
The Bernaths were finally home with their two girls, and feeling like they could see the light at the end of a dark tunnel.
This past May, after a few days of limping around the house, Ashley and Ryan’s older, 2-year-old daughter Charlie went to get X-rays for an injured foot. What was found instead was a broken femur. Less than a day later, a doctor announced the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Two-year-old Charlie has cancer.
A site was created to help with the expenses that will be accumulated over the coming months, and a posting on the fundraising platform Spotfund set $150,000 as a goal. To date, more than $120,000 has been donated. (For more on this, go to: spotfund.com and type The Bernath Family in the search box).
A local fundraiser will take place from noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at King’s Tavern on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs. For reservations, call 518-441-1103.
Contributions will go toward Little Lucy’s many doctors visits, (physical therapy, weekly nurse visits, and monthly visits at MGH to maintain weight and strength) in addition to the enormous financial burden the Bernaths will soon face in the wake of Charlie’s Leukemia diagnosis.
The Wilton Water and Sewer Authority board listens to public comments prior to voting on whether or not to fluoridate the town’s water supply. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.
BURNT HILLS — The Charlton School, a treatment center and high school for young women experiencing mental health challenges, broke ground on a $13.8 million construction project Wednesday morning. Four new dormitories will be built as part of the campus’ largest redesign since 1955.
The dorms will help the school expand its capacity, which is being overwhelmed due to a significant increase in referrals, according to Charlton’s Executive Director Alex Capo. Mental health-related hospitalization rates for girls across the country have increased sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You get scared when you’re looking at the possibility of sending your child, a 14-year-old girl in the middle of a healthcare crisis, two-and-a-half hours away from home to live with a bunch of strangers,” said Bob Clapp, an alumni parent and member of the school’s board of trustees. “The school was beautiful, the grounds were incredible, the staff was top-notch,” Clapp said. “The one area that was a little iffy were the dorms. Dorms are important. That’s your child’s home away from home. During her time here, it needs to be home. That’s why I’m so excited about this project.”
Renderings of the future dorms showed porches, picnic tables, and a courtyard-like garden where students could study, socialize, and heal.
The Charlton School attracts students from all over the country, many of whom have experienced multiple hospitalizations and struggle with issues such as self-injurious behavior, anxiety, and depression. They typically stay on campus for about 18 months, participating in family therapy, equine therapy, art therapy, and New York State-accredited special education curriculum and individual treatment plans.
In addition to the new dorms, a Career Development and Occupational Studies Building will also be built to house woodworking, screen printing, podcasting, and maintenance equipment. The entire project, managed by LeChase Construction Services, is expected to be completed by March of 2025.
Flier image for the Saratoga Farm Showcase via the Saratoga PLAN website.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Over the last century, the number of farms in Saratoga County has decreased by 84%. As local farmers work hard to survive and thrive, the first-ever Farm Showcase on June 22 aims to give the community a taste (literally) of what the county’s farms have to offer.
More than twenty local farms, providing everything from ice cream to beer to fresh produce, will participate in the event, which is organized by Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature), a nonprofit land trust.
Michelle Culbert, Saratoga PLAN’s associate director, said that local farmers are finding creative ways to market themselves directly to consumers. The Saratoga Farm Showcase is one way to do that.
“Attending these types of events, going right to the farm store and purchasing directly from the farm, is the best way to support local farmers,” Culbert said.
Farms are rapidly evaporating, primarily due to development and urban sprawl. Developers like farmland because it’s usually flat and cleared of trees. Although this loss of farmland is happening nationwide, it’s even more pronounced in Saratoga County, the second-fastest growing county in the state. “We’re feeling it here more than elsewhere in the state,” Culbert said.
Part of Saratoga PLAN’s mission includes farmland conservation, which the organization says is “important to the long-term health of the economy, the environment, and the social fabric of our community.”
Participants in the upcoming showcase include Hop City Maple, King Brothers Dairy, McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Arnold’s Farm Fresh Produce, City Goat Farm, Dancing Grain Farm Brewery, and Smith’s Orchard & Bake Shop, among others.
Culbert said the inaugural showcase’s success will be measured both by ticket sales and, more importantly, how much everyone involved enjoys the experience.
Tickets for adults cost $10. Kids are free. All tickets must be purchased by Thursday, June 20. There are no day-of ticket sales.
Included with a ticket comes a tour map with a list of participating farms and their special offerings and discounts, as well as an insulated cooler bag filled with farm goodies. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://saratoga-plan.snwbll.com/ticketing/saratoga-farm-showcase.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — This month, the city implemented new procedures designed to enhance security throughout City Hall.
Beginning with the City Council meeting on June 4, members of the public were subject to search and wanding prior to entering meetings, and a metal detection system sited on the building’s first floor, just outside council meeting chambers.
The change follows a Department of Public Safety review of security options and the recommendation of the city’s Insurance Carrier, NYMIR, to install a metal detection system prior to entering the City Council Meetings. At this time, the procedures will only be in place at City Council meetings.
Some of the specifics: all members of the public entering the City Council meetings will be subject to search and wanding, with all bags, packages, containers and property items subject to search. If any prohibited items are found on a person or in their belongings, they will not be allowed entry, according to the city.
Among prohibited items: firearms, alcohol, noxious materials (including Pepper Spray and Mace), edged weapons (these could be utility, pocket or Swiss army knives, and scissors), “nuisance” devices (such as bullhorns and whistles), stun guns, and a variety of other items deemed to be a security risk or disruptive to governmental activities, at the discretion of Saratoga Springs Police Department. Note, there will be no storage facilities at City Hall, such as lockers, to store any personal belongings.
The council is in general agreement that the first-level council chambers, with a maximum allowable capacity of 49, offers a superior locale for meetings, compared to the much larger capacity music hall on the third floor where occasional meetings have been staged in the past.
“We’re going to always try to meet in this room,” city Mayor John Safford said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Gardens at Yaddo have reopened for the season and will welcome visitors through Oct. 13, 2024.
The sanctuary, located on the public access grounds of the artists’ retreat at Yaddo, invites the public to immerse themselves in the gardens.
Open Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests entering on weekends are asked to use the East Entrance. Limited parking is available, with additional guidance provided on yaddo.org/gardens/.
The Yaddo Reads Lending Library, a micro lending library stocked with books curated for children and young adults is accessible during Garden Open Hours and is freshly stocked with new titles for young readers.
Programs: The Art of Wellness series returns, with yoga classes held in the gardens on select Sundays through October. The Wine & Roses series pairs live music with vintage selections in the gardens. The Nature of Art features talks and readings exploring Yaddo and the region.
For those considering wedding ceremonies or photography sessions, the gardens are available for reservations, with a suggested donation.
The main gate of the Yaddo estate is located on Union Avenue between the racecourse and Exit 14 of the Northway. For more information on public events, visit https://yaddo.org/event-category/public/.
Photo via Saratoga Athletics social media accounts.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity girls lacrosse team captured its second-straight Section 2, Class A sectional title last week against Colonie Central, 11 to 10.
The Blue Streaks had a come-from-behind victory, scoring four goals after being down 10 to 7.
“The girls definitely felt they had what it took to win sectionals again and used defending their title as their motivation,” Coach Jennifer Furze told Saratoga TODAY.
After capturing the sectional championships, Saratoga advanced to the regional finals, where they faced the Suffern Mounties last Saturday afternoon in Queensbury. Heading into the contest, Furze said her team was “confident, hungry” and eager to beat Suffern after losing to them last year.
“Strategic game play will be important against this team,” Furze said. “They love to drown the clock. They played keep-away for much of the second half on us last year. I would love to give them a taste of their own medicine.”
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In the anticipated matchup, Suffern scored four goals early, forcing the Blue Streaks to play catchup. Much like their victory in sectionals, Saratoga rallied late. But this time, it wasn’t enough. Suffern took the regional title, 10 to 8.
During the game, Saratoga senior Carly Wise netted her 300th career goal.
Coach Jennifer Furze said her team attributed its success this season to several different factors. “We focus on positives every day, ending each practice by listing three positive take-aways. We communicate well and keep composure during stressful game situations. We support one another and spend time taking care of our mental conditioning as well as our physical.”
It was a memorable and emotional season for the Blue Streaks lacrosse team. Last month, they paid tribute to Olivia Allen, a recent Saratoga grad who succumbed to leukemia in March. Coach Furze’s daughter was close friends with Allen.
“A team that fought to the very end,” read a message posted to the team’s social media account. “We are so proud of our [lacrosse] fam and honored to be called a Blue Streak. We had many victories this season and continue to stay united.”
Seattle Slew.. One of the immortals who took the Belmont Stakes and later left his mark at the Spa..
The Belmont Stakes is without question one of America’s greatest horse races. It has gained its prestige for many reasons. Let’s take a look at them.
The race, although long associated with Belmont Park, had its origins prior to being held there. The race actually dates back to 1867. It made its debut at Jerome Park. The track was owned by August Belmont Sr, the agent for the Rothschild families holdings on this continent and Wall Street financier Leonard Jerome. Of note, Jerome also was one of the original co-owners of Saratoga racetrack. The first running of the race was at 1 5/8 miles and won by a three year old filly named Ruthless. She lived up to her name when she romped home against her male opponents in the Travers Stakes here later that summer.
The race was run at its present distance of 1 1/2 miles for a short time beginning in 1874. In the following years it was conducted at distances from 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 miles. With the closure of Jerome Park in 1890, the race found a new home at nearby Morris Park.
When the Westchester Racing Association opened the original version of Belmont Park in 1905, the race became a permanent fixture there. Some of the early winners include the likes of the great unbeaten champion Colin in 1907. Sir Barton entered the winner’s circle in 1919. He is considered to be the first winner of The Triple Crown, although that term did not originate until the 1930s. The one and only Man o’ War strutted his stuff a year later in 1920. America’s greatest racehorse walked home in spectacular fashion, eased up twenty lengths clear of the field.
In 1926 the race was lengthened from 1 3/8 to its present distance of 1 1/2 miles. Belair Stables Gallant Fox became the second Triple Crown champion and the first to navigate the longer distance in 1930. Since then a Who’s Who of American racehorses have competed for the exquisite Belmont Stakes Trophy. Many have reached out to immortality in taking the race. The thirteen Triple Crown winners lead the way. Then there are the likes of Native Dancer, Nashua, Gallant Man, Sword Dancer, Damascus, Easy Goer, A.P. Indy and Point Given. They showed their mettle and tenacity in winning the “The Test of Champions.”
Belmont Park was rebuilt during the early 1960s. The makeover would close the venue for five years. During that period the race was moved to Aqueduct Racetrack.
This created a dilemma. At Belmont the circumference of the track is 1 1/2 miles. Aqueduct on the other hand is a 1 1/8 miles oval. The same can be said of Saratoga’s configuration. The NYRA top brass at the time made the decision to keep the race at its historic distance. This meant that the race would start close to the far turn leading into the stretch, and then once around the Aqueduct oval. For five years beginning in 1963 the plan, though not ideal, worked with no mishaps. Belmont re-opened in 1968.
There were no changes made to the race until the dreaded Covid 19 made its appearance in 2020. Like everything else the racing world was turned upside down. The race was run at a distance of 1 1/8 miles and complicating things further, preceded both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
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There was an eerie feeling on race day as patrons were not allowed to enter Belmont Park for the event.
Four years later Belmont Park finds itself being reconstructed for its second rebirth. “The Test of Champions” has the perfect temporary home here at Saratoga. This weekend all roads will lead to the Spa for a spectacular four days of racing loaded with an abundance of high caliber stakes races highlighted by the Belmont Stakes.
NYRA has decided to run the race at 1 1/4 miles, the same distance as the Kentucky Derby and the Travers Stakes.
These are different times than the five years that Aqueduct kept the race at its historic distance. Surely there are concerns that the start off of the turn may cause a mishap that would put the horses and jockeys in peril. The thought had crossed my mind that lengthening the race to 1 5/8 miles for the two years might have been a better remedy.
The race would start midway down the backstretch taking any problem on the turn out of play.
To get a definitive answer, I reached out to Ed Bowen, a prolific writer and historian with decades of familiarity with horse racing.
He answered it this way:
“I think the idea has some appeal, but there is a countering point in my mind. That is, since 1 1/2 miles is regarded today as such a test of stamina for a three- year- old in June that going even farther is worrisome as perhaps too much. All things are generalizations, whereas horses are individuals, of course, but as a point of stewardship of the well- being of the horses I think that going to 1 5/8 miles is a negative.
Enough has changed since the 19th Century phase when the Belmont WAS run at 1 5/ 8 miles that I don’t think that phase is a precedent easily applied today.”
There you have it. That being said, the race is still at a formidable distance. American racehorses are accustomed to the most important races being run at 1 1/4 miles. The lone exception is the Belmont Stakes. It is still a daunting task when considering the fact that these racehorses are stretched to their outer limits going serious distances three times in five weeks.
The time has come. Belmont at Saratoga is here. Saturday at approximately 6:30 PM the horses will prance on to the track. The crowd will go silent as the voice of Frank Sinatra belts out the Belmont theme song “ New York, New York.” Ten minutes later the contestants will enter the starting gate. They’re all in..and they’re off for the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes!
