Photo from the Saratoga Springs Parks & Recreation Department
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The trendiest sport in America right now is pickleball, and the Saratoga region is paddling furiously to keep up with demand.
“We’ve been watching the sport grow like crazy in Saratoga Springs,” said Brandon Mackie, co-founder of the Pickleheads website. “We’re seeing new courts being built all over. East Side Rec Field now has 10 dedicated courts and Wilton Town Gavin Park has 10.” Mackie also said that searches for pickleball in the Saratoga area have increased 213% since April.
A number of regional locations are now hosting pickleball games, including the Saratoga Recreation Center, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, McGregor Links Country Club, The Paddocks of Saratoga, and the Burgess Kimball Memorial Park.The Malta YMCA branch hosted its first pickleball tournament earlier this year, and a Legacy Pickleball Club location is set to open soon in Ballston Spa.
But how exactly does one explain the public’s voracious appetite for this sport? “The most important thing that happened at the [recreational] player level is that the sport is really easy to learn,” Mackie said. “Our theory is that COVID was an important catalyst for this.”
According to Mackie, COVID turned the primarily indoor sport of pickleball into an outdoor game played at gyms, churches, and recreation centers. “I think we’ve just seen a snowballing of it over the last year,” Mackie said. “So now, depending on what data you believe, between ten and forty million players have tried the sport.”
According to Pickleheads, pickleball has seen a 158.6% growth rate over the last three years and has become “the fastest-growing sport in America.” There are now around 400 places to play pickleball in New York State, with dozens scattered throughout the Saratoga region.
To learn more about pickleball or to find a court, visit www.pickleheads.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Forged on the roads and trails that cross this country, The Local Branch has now opened at 447 Broadway, in Saratoga Springs, selling Americana that touches on the nation’s culture and folklore.
Founded in San Franciso in 2009 by Blaine and Mackenzie Vossler, The Local Branch specializes in small-batch, American-made products. Working with more than 100 vendors, the space is stocked with handmade pieces that resonate with nostalgia.
“It’s sourcing with a story – items with a soul,” said Mackenzie.
A Shared Experience
Located in the former home of Saratoga Coffee Traders (which originally opened in 2006, and closed in October), The Local Branch’s soft opening on Saturday came after just one month of renovations to the building.
“I love making sure people feel welcome and inspired by the products. I set the palette and the tone so that it has a communal soul similar to what a coffee shop does,” said Mackenzie.
While structural supports were added and the floors refinished, most of the changes to the shop have been cosmetic. By layering colors and textures amid aged wood displays and salvaged antique light fixtures, Mackenzie’s grandmother’s rugs ground the space, while in the back corner a brass National Cash Register (like the one her father had) sits refurbished and ready to ring up this curated assortment of consciously-made products.
Conscious Consumerism
In an effort to move away from the pitfalls of fast fashion and overconsumption, before having their two children, Hawk, 6, and Wylie, 2, the Vossler’s spent two years traveling the country and creating goods from a mobile workshop inside an Airstream trailer.
“I’m inspired by outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, farming, and those activities that are part of our shared identity as a people,” said Blaine, who, after a brief stint studying at New York University, turned his artistic talents to screen printing apparel.
Influenced by Indigenous American ideals, rituals, and values, Blaine’s hand-drawn designs honor their heritage with bold bison, detailed images of the moon, and natural elements.
Stylish, Functional Heirlooms
After finding a free sewing machine by the side of the road, Blaine began creating functional, heirloom-quality items by applying the traditional skill of leatherworking to solve modern problems.
Tired of sitting on his wallet during those long hours on the road, Blaine made The Local Branch’s stylish underarm holsters, which provide a unique utilitarian way to carry your phone, wallet, passport, or other essentials, so that they’re easily accessible when you’re on the go – whether you’re sitting or standing.
Before leaving for a four-month excursion on the Pacific Coast Trail, Blaine created the Crossroads Backpack Tote – a leather tote bag that seamlessly transitions into a backpack.
The Local Branch’s blanket capes (with leather buckle closures) are also extremely versatile – they can be worn as a scarf, then laid on the ground to watch concerts and festivals.
A Caring Community of Creators
In 2018, the Vossler’s traded their mobile workshop for a brick-and-mortar store in Skaneateles (located in Central New York). Finding their dream home nearby, the 1854 Kester Homestead Barn, a rambling Victorian on 10 acres in Onondaga County, also once housed their leatherworking shop, but now operates exclusively as a wedding venue. The Local Brand’s manufacturing has been moved to a warehouse in the area that once belonged to Mackenzie’s parents (who were also entrepreneurs).
Introduced to Saratoga by friends who attended Skidmore College, it has been the city’s vibrant music scene, happening night life, historic charm, and small town feel that keeps them coming back, said Blaine.
The Local Branch, which emphasizes the importance of shopping small and buying local, is currently looking to hire a store manager and shop keepers for their Saratoga store.
“Here, you get to work with friends who care about the products and the stories behind them,” said Brand Manager Sidney Glass.
Just in Time for the Holidays
In addition to Blaine’s work, The Local Branch collaborates with a network of blacksmiths, weavers, jewelry makers, and other craftsmen to offer an assortment of sustainable items for the outdoorsman or homesteader in your life.
Stop in and start an in-store Wish List filled with super soft tees, sweatshirts, socks and other apparel, cabin blankets, belts, wallets, canvas bags, candles, books, kitchen provisions, apothecary items, and more, or grab a few goodies from the Stocking Stuffer Bar (including leather ornaments and key clips) just in time for the holidays. Customized initials and monogramming can be completed on leather items in 2-3 weeks.
The Local Branch, 447 Broadway, Saratoga Springs is open every day 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Follow them @TheLocal Branch on Instagram, on Facebook @TheLocalBranchApparel, and order online at thelocalbranch.co
SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Dec. 17, 1923, the Saratoga Hospital Maternity Unit officially opened for patients, made possible through contributions of businesses and individuals active in the Saratoga community, including the Saratoga Racing Association, which was to become NYRA in 1955, and equipped with furniture provided by the Flower and Fruit Mission, an organization that today still actively supports women’s health services at Saratoga Hospital.
On Dec. 17, 2023 the Saratoga community is invited to join this centennial celebration, which will include remarks from Jill VanKuren, Saratoga Hospital President & CEO, Dr. Amy Knoeller, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – OB/GYN & Midwifery, and Sarah Bunzey, Director – Women’s Health Services. Participants are encouraged to bring a box of diapers to donate to Wellspring Saratoga. Cupcakes and light refreshments provided.
The celebration will take place from 2-3 p.m. at Saratoga Hospital in the Main Lobby, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
The event will feature a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts.
The line-up is co-headlined by contemporary artists Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy, alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya.
Also highlighting the line-up is the next generation of jazz stars – Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito Martinez Group.
The annual festival is produced by Danny Melnick, president of Absolutely Live Entertainment. Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America. Initially founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga” the weekend event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998.
Headliner Lake Street Dive will make their festival debut on Saturday, June 29. As heard on their critically acclaimed album “Obviously,” the Boston-bred band possesses a keen talent for combining sociopolitical commentary with immediately catchy pop gems.
Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is Samara Joy, and returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is singer and pianist Norah Jones.
“The one to watch” on Sunday’s line-up for her festival debut is Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter whose modern jazz sound has won her both a GRAMMY nomination and millions of fans on TikTok.
Music icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea and their time together in Return to Forever; opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya.
Representing the next generation of jazz talent on the stage is composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, jazz pianist Joey Alexander – who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival, jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and jazz violinist Sara Caswell.
Highlighting the weekend is also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band and Olatuja!, which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music.
In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.
2024 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Line-Up:
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Amphitheater – Lake Street Dive; Samara Joy; Yussef Dayes; Joey Alexander Trio with special guest Theo Croker; Cimafunk with special guest Pedrito Martinez; The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell.
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage – Tia Fuller; Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra; Theo Croker; Coco Montoya; Harold Lopez-Nussa; Sara Caswell Quartet.
Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage – Pedrito Martinez Group; Miguel Zenon Quartet; Olatuja!; Helen Sung presents Quartet; Skidmore Jazz Institute Faculty All-Stars Centennial Celebration of Max Roach, Bud Powell & J.J. Johnson featuring Clay Jenkins, Steve Wilson, Steve Davis, Mike Moreno, Bill Cunliffe, Todd Coolman & Dennis Mackrel.
Tickets for the festival start at $80 and will be available to SPAC members Dec. 14 (discounted depending on tiered level) and be made available to the general public online at spac.org on Jan. 5. Two-day passes are also available for a savings of $20 off per pass (offer ends June 15 and can’t be combined with other discounts). Children 12 and under receive 50% off tickets in the amphitheater and are free on the lawn. Full-time students with a school issued ID receive 25% off tickets in the amphitheater, or $28 on the lawn (student ID must be presented at will call).
Photo provided by The Saratoga County History Roundtable.
The move into World War II by the United States brought about many changes for this country’s citizens. The most important was in the lives of the sixteen million men and women who served during those years and of course the over four hundred thousand who gave their lives, making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Back at home communities coped with rationing of gasoline, sugar, tires, and other products to support the war effort. Other steps that both young and old in this country were asked to take were buying war bonds and collecting scrap metal and rubber. Likely the most unusual item was the collection of milkweed pods, something desperately needed by the navy for life preservers. As we will see, in Saratoga County, both adults and young people stepped up and did their part to harvest milkweed and help protect the lives of our servicemen and women.
Only hours after Pearl Harbor, Japan attacked the Philippines and the American forces stationed there then. This successful invasion gave Japan control of the Dutch East Indies’ oil reserves and access to abundant raw materials in the region. One of these resources was kapok, a fiber obtained from the kapok tree that grows in the rainforests of Asia. The fiber, light and very buoyant, was used in life preservers by both the military and civilians.
As a replacement for this critical component of life vests was needed, the American industry began searching for likely alternatives. The most effective substitute was milkweed floss, with tests showing that a pound of this fiber would keep an adult afloat for over 40 hours.
Milkweed was quickly given the status of a wartime strategic material and the government allocated funds for its collection and processing. Soon the call went out to pick milkweed pods, with open mesh bags being distributed to schools in regions where milkweed was prevalent.
In Waterford, a drive to pick the pods was organized by the local Lions Club, with members of area Scout Troops, 4-H Clubs, and students from the Waterford Schools pitching in. As an incentive to participate the Waterford Lions Club offered prizes of three dollars, two dollars, and one dollar to boys and girls who collected the greatest number of filled bags.
With one-half million pounds needed to make life vests for the military in 1944, every bag picked was vitally important. In the spring of 1945, the milkweed pods that had been collected locally were brought to the Saratoga County Fair Grounds in Ballston Spa for shipment to the processing plant in Michigan. The eight thousand bags that had been collected from Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties would provide enough floss to fill four thousand life vests for the military. Overall, New York State collected enough pods to exceed its goal of gathering enough milkweed to fill over a quarter million life jackets.
The milkweed needed to be picked before they broke open and scattered the floss, leaving only a small window of opportunity to collect the pods. Once filled, the mesh collection bags were hung outside to dry, with two bags needed to fill one life vest.
In many counties, it was the 4-H Club agents who oversaw the work of distributing the collection bags. One example was Samuel B Dorrance the agent for Rensselaer County who passed out two thousand of these open mesh bags. In a newspaper account of his efforts, published in the September 15, 1944, Troy Record, he gave these instructions for collecting the pods: When the seeds are brown, the pods are ready for picking but definitely not before, as they will mold, he said. “Those in the northern part of the county are not yet ready. It isn’t necessary to examine each pod if a test shows that the majority of the seeds are ripe.
He continued with the necessity of leaving the bags out to dry for at least two weeks, preferably hanging them from a fence at least a foot off the ground, after which they could be brought indoors.
Dedicated to the slogan of “Don’t Let Our Sailor’s Sink” 4-H boys and girls roamed the countryside collecting milkweed from fencerows and open fields. Lifelong Saratoga County resident Marion Crandall shared this memory of that time while growing up in Bacon Hill, a farming community near Schuylerville: In the orchard there were a lot of milkweeds… they needed kapok for the war…for life preservers…it was a 4-H project, so we went to the orchard, picked milkweed pods, and put them in big onion bags, mesh bags.
The efforts of the young people in Bacon Hill were a success, as by September of 1944 they had collected eleven bags of milkweed pods.
With the close of the war in September of 1945, collection of milkweed floss was no longer necessary, and the program was ended. While it is impossible to count the number of lives that were saved through this work by the children of Saratoga County, what they accomplished was vitally important to the war effort and even now we can look back with pride at what they achieved.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city long-called The August Place To Be was granted a late springtime addition to that moniker with this week’s official announcement naming Saratoga Race Course as the staging ground for June’s four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
“Saratoga now adds to its storied history by hosting the third leg of the Triple Crown,” Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 6, inspiring thoughts of warmer climes on a day when the local community saw the gentle tumble of errant flurries. “It’s a win for horseracing and for the Capital Region to have the excitement and the ability to host the four-day Festival in June at America’s most historic track.”
The four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be staged Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9. The Belmont Stakes race will run Saturday, June 8. No changes are anticipated regarding Saratoga’s 40-day summer meet.
The relocation of the stakes race and its associated four-day festival will allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new Belmont Park on Long Island. And while construction is anticipated to go on at least through the 2025 Belmont Stakes season, only the 2024 festival at Saratoga was announced this week.
“It is a temporary situation, and we hope to be even further ahead of schedule so we can end sooner, but it’s good to at least have an alternative to shutting down Belmont completely, and can take the races elsewhere in the state,” Gov. Hochul said at a presser shortly after the Belmont announcement.
The four-day festival at Saratoga Race Course will include 23 stakes races in total with purses totaling $9.7 million.
The New York Racing Association began signaling earlier this year that some Belmont races would be shifted to Saratoga. Statements punctuated with optimism from the political and tourism worlds alike were issued with a ferocity shortly after Wednesday morning’s announcement, showcasing the affair as a driver of tourism, a major boon for the economy, an inspiration to partner with new stakeholders and something to further showcase the region’s world-class attractions.
A different track brings with it additional changes: due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track, the Belmont Stakes will be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2024 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles, pending the approval of the North American Graded Stakes Committee.
Inaugurated in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack and moved in 1905 to Belmont Park, the Belmont Stakes has notably provided Secretariat’s 31-length victory in 1973 and American Pharoah successfully ending a 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015. The race was staged at Aqueduct Racetrack from 1963-1967 when Belmont Park last underwent significant renovations.
Following the conclusion of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, the NYRA circuit will return to Aqueduct Racetrack for the remainder of the spring meet before racing shifts to Saratoga for the annual 40-day summer meet beginning Thursday, July 11. The fall meet customarily held at Belmont Park will again be shifted to Aqueduct Racetrack in 2024 while construction of a new Belmont Park continues.
Ticket packages and pricing for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course will be available in early 2024.
A Bocce Ball Court, such as this one, is one of five project proposals which city residents may vote to have developed in 2024.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs Participatory Budgeting Committee will be holding online public voting for the second cycle of project proposals through Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Saratoga Springs residents over the age of 18 are able to cast their ballot towards their favorite projects.
The Participatory Budgeting process encourages local community members to participate in the City’s budget process by voting on how to spend a portion of up to 0.25% of the City’s total budget – approximately $153,000, give or take. Final funding decisions will be made by the City Council in late December.
The Committee received a total of 15 submissions for Cycle Two; with proposed projects ranging from smaller-scale recreation initiatives to larger community-wide accessible programming.
There are 5 total projects on the ballot for potential funding: Bocce Ball Court, Saratoga Farmer’s Market, Opera Saratoga Family Programming, Solar Charging Bench for the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Lake Avenue School Centennial Celebration.
Bocce Ball: Construction of one (1) bocce ball court in Veteran’s Memorial Park. Project submitted by individual. Estimated Cost: $13,000. Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 10 Adams Road.
Opera Saratoga Family Programming: Produce five (5) outreach opera performances in Saratoga Springs and the State Park for children and family’s education and enjoyment. Project submitted by Opera Saratoga. Estimated Cost: $15,000. Location: Opera Saratoga, 19 Roosevelt Drive.
Lake Ave School Centennial Celebration: Celebrate Lake Ave Schools’ upcoming centennial by recording oral histories and memories, photograph mementos and produce an exhibition for display at the Saratoga Springs Public Library (location pending). Project submitted by Lake Avenue PTA. Estimated Cost: $10,000. Location: Lake Avenue School, 126 Lake Ave.
Solar Charging Bench for Public Library: Provide a convenient and clean energy charging source for electronic devices to Saratoga Springs residents and visitors. Located outside of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Project submitted by Saratoga Springs Public Library. Estimated Cost: $11,000. Location: Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St.
Saratoga Farmers’ Market Program Support: Purchasing tents, wagons and tables for the Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market and aiding in marketing expenses. Project submitted by Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association (organization). Estimated Cost: $12,000. Location: Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market, 112 High Rock Ave.
“This past year we’ve seen a lot of our PB projects from Cycle One come online – they’ve had a tremendously positive impact on our community – from providing free arts programming and recreational curling to beautifying our city streets,” Commissioner of Finance Minita Sanghvi said in a statement. “We were excited to see a whole new set of project ideas for Cycle Two and are continuing to look for community input as to which projects they want to see funded.”
To vote, visit go to: pbstanford.org/2023-saratoga-ny.
Revised plans for the corporate offices of Prime Group Holdings with a proposed two-story addition at 395 Broadway, prepared by the architectural firm Balzer & Tuck and filed with the city of Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Applications under consideration this week by the Saratoga Springs Design Review Board include:
• Historic Review of a two-story addition at 395 Broadway. Prime Group Holdings founder Robert Moser has been seeking city Land Use Board approval to add two stories to the company’s existing two-story brick masonry office building at 395 Broadway. The combined four-story building would serve as office space for Prime Group Holdings, with a retail store component on the first floor.
The red-brick building located on the southwest corner of Broadway and Division Street was originally developed in 2000 to house Borders Books & Music, and in in 2018 was purchased by Ed Mitzen and the Fingerpaint Marketing firm. It was sold to Prime Group Holdings for $11 million in July.
• Architectural Review of exterior modifications including roof replacement, porch reconstruction, and select window infill and replacement at 118 Woodlawn Ave., regarding the Woodlawn Club exterior modification project.
• 177 South Broadway Stewarts Demolition and Redevelopment: Determination of Historic/Architectural significance for an existing single-family residence. Consideration of SEQRA lead agency, and Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the demolition of the existing single-family residence and redevelopment of a convenience store and fueling station.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga police were apparently too hot for the city’s fire department to handle. At the fifth annual Holiday Hockey Classic, the boys in blue beat the firefighters 12-2.
The event benefited the Franklin Community Center’s Holiday Assistance Program, which aims to deliver a Christmas present to every Saratoga child that needs one.
According to firefighter Chris Stewart, this year’s game resulted in more than 800 toys collected and $2,000 raised, surpassing last year’s totals. Attendees packed the Weibel Ice Rink for the event. “We had a standing-room-only crowd,” Stewart said.
The presents and funds were donated to the Franklin Community Center on Monday morning via fire and police vehicles.
“I play Christmas carols over the PA system of the ladder truck,” Stewart said. “A lot of people were out and about and they stopped and waved and were curious why Christmas carols were being played instead of a siren on a fire truck.”
The donated toys gifted to the kids included Barbies, Hot Wheels, coloring books, and board games.
“I can’t thank everyone that donated and attended the game enough,” Stewart said. “This entire event is make or break by how much the community comes together to support it.”
Stewart mentioned that sponsors such as Skidmore Hockey, King’s Tavern, the Adirondack Thunder, and the Bread Basket Bakery were “truly the ones that make this game what it is.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES) unveiled its “Future-Focused For All Students 2023-2026 Strategic Plan” earlier this month.
The WSWHE BOCES is responsible for “the oversight of curricular, financial, and other policy decisions,” according to the organization. WSWHE BOCES serves a total of 31 school districts, including Ballston Spa, Schuylerville, and Saratoga Springs.
Among its objectives, the plan seeks to:
•Increase enrollment capacity
•Offer students more work-based learning opportunities
•Celebrate diversity and equity
•Strengthen the Women In Trades initiative
•Enhance employee onboarding
•Provide staff with proper tools and training
•Address short-term facilities needs
•Analyze requirements for transitioning to electric buses
“This plan will be the backbone for what we do as an organization,” said WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Turina Parker. “It will serve as a roadmap for our efforts to connect with each student and customer while enhancing our connections as an organization.”
The plan also states that its implementation will be “one of the largest, and most consequential, undertakings in our BOCES history. This 2023-26 Strategic Plan tasks us with, in essence, reevaluating every WSWHE BOCES decision and action, and ensuring they are in line with our community’s priorities and expectations.”
The plan is available online at: www.wswheboces.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2036640&type=d&pREC_ID=2513275
