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Saratoga Football Looking to Return to Playoffs Under New Head Coach

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photos by Super Source Media Studios

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The week of Eric Hayden’s first game as head coach of the Saratoga Springs varsity football team was certainly an eventful one.

On Thursday, Aug. 31, Hayden and his wife Danielle welcomed their second child, Bo Michael Hayden. The Haydens also have a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Payton.

Less than two days later, Hayden was on the sideline for his first victory as the Blue Streaks’ head coach, a 35-7 win over Albany.

“Definitely an eventful week,” said Hayden. “Not a lot of sleeping, but a lot of great things happening. When you get to hold your baby boy for the first time, and everyone’s got good health coming out, that’s just an amazing experience.”

Hayden credited his assistant coaches for their help preparing for the season-opening win over the Falcons.

“Our staff is amazing, with John Barber, Jon Coons, and Craig Durant,” Hayden said. “They had everything set up, they were in a great spot. I tip my hat to them, because I couldn’t do it without them.”

Prior to taking over the program, Hayden was an assistant coach with the Blue Streaks, coaching the offensive and defensive lines as well as special teams, he said.

This week, Saratoga begins Class AA play, hosting Ballston Spa (1-1) on Thursday night. The Blue Streaks are coming off a 21-20 loss against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake last week.

In 2022, the Blue Streaks finished 5-5, falling in the Section 2 Class AA Playoffs to CBA.

Hayden said that while the Blue Streaks have a talented group, it is also one without a ton of experience. He said he is excited to watch the team grow throughout the season, noting that, “The sky’s the limit for the group here.”

“Very coachable kids that work very hard, and every day you see them growing,” said Hayden. “Every day, you see a new lightbulb that just went on. …They can be a dangerous group, because you just don’t know what to expect.”

Hayden said the team has a strong group of returning players, naming defensive end/tight end/wide receiver Christian Mello, running back/receiver Rodell Evans III, quarterback Jack Rigabar, receiver/safety Caleb Casey, and center Jayden Cox among others.

Hayden also said the team’s defensive backfield is strong this year, and said the Blue Streaks’ wide receiver group does “a phenomenal job too.

“I really like what our defensive backfield has to offer,” said Hayden. “The style of defense that we play, those guys all have to be able to cover and tackle. This group that we have is pretty good at it, and pretty special at it.”

Throughout summer practices leading up to the team’s season opener, Hayden said some of his main points of emphasis were conditioning and limiting penalties.

“The big message we sent in camp is we have to practice harder than the games,” said Hayden. “I told them, ‘If you’re in better shape and you can limit the penalties, you’re in good shape.’”

The Blue Streaks open league play tonight with a Route 50 rivalry game and a goal of returning to the postseason, with Hayden saying, “This team is hungry.”

“They’ve seen what they can do. We really started building the momentum last year,” Hayden said. “They have that very much in their eyes right now. It’s cool that we have a good amount of guys coming back that have been there, because now they know what it takes. Hopefully they can teach our young guys that as well.”

Family-owned Lakeside Farms Celebrates 75 Years

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.


Lakeside Farms’ carriage barn. Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

BALLSTON LAKE — Originally established in 1948, this year marks Lakeside Farms’ 75th anniversary as a family-run business.

Lakeside was founded by Robert Pearce, along with his wife Agnes and son Dick, their website states. The family began making apple cider with a screw-driven press originally built in 1878, said Jeffrey Pearce, who is part of the third generation of the Pearce family to run the business.

Today, Lakeside includes a country store, restaurant, apple barn, gift shop, event space, and more, with Pearce saying Lakeside is “like 11 businesses all wrapped in one.”

“My grandfather always told me, ‘You put out a good product for a good, fair price, they’ll come knocking on your door,’” said Pearce. “I’ve always kept it that way.”

Pearce said he has been working at Lakeside for almost 60 of its 75 years, beginning as a young child working under his father, Dick Pearce.

“I just started to work, and my father gave me things to do at eight years old,” said Pearce. “I just worked up from there.”

The Pearce family moved Lakeside’s country store to the property’s carriage barn in the early 1960s, Pearce said.

“My grandparents started the cider mill, and put in a little store down back behind the store that’s already here,” Pearce said. “As we got bigger, we moved to the carriage barn, which is where it’s at right now.”

Today, Jeffrey Pearce operates the farm with his brother, Richie. Jeffrey’s wife, Denise, also works at Lakeside, while Jeffrey and Richie’s sister, Lisa Martin, works part-time at the farm.

In addition to their apple cider, Lakeside Farms includes a country store that offers a wide variety of products, such as fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, penny candy, and more. The country store also includes a deli, a bakery, and restaurant, roasting their own meat and selling a variety of burgers and sandwiches, and other products including bread, baked goods, and eggs.

The farm’s restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, and they offer a wide selection of apples, apple cider, and apple cider donuts from their apple barn.

Lakeside also includes Ye Olde Farmhouse Gift Shoppe, a farmhouse built in 1851, Pearce said, that was converted into a shop offering an assortment of gifts, decorations, clothing, jewelry, candles, and more, many of which are locally or American-made.

Lakeside served 130,000 people in nine months last year, Pearce said. He noted their apple barn has recently opened for the fall season. The apple barn and gift shop will remain open through Dec. 24, while the remainder of the property will remain open through Nov. 26, according to Denise Pearce.

While Pearce acknowledged it is demanding work, putting in up to 90 or 100 hours a week, he also said it is fulfilling, and said he has “been treated very well.”

“Yesterday I got up at 3:00, and got home last night at 5:30,” Pearce said. “It’s a long day, but when you get to see what you’ve accomplished during the day, you smile.”

He also added that, “The business runs you, you don’t run it.”

“Sit back, look, and listen, and the business will tell you what has to be done,” said Pearce. “You work it, but it tells you what has to be done.”

Through the years, Pearce said that in addition to family and employees, the farm has also received help from friends and neighbors, such as Lee Davenport, who Pearce said worked for Lakeside roughly 20 years ago and still returns to assist the Pearce family and their employees.

“He went out on his own, and he comes back and helps me,” Pearce said. “He’s like a brother to me.”

Pearce gave credit to the farm’s employees, saying, “They put their heart and soul into it.”

“If you’ve got people that are positive with you, I’ve got a few people that are, it makes it a lot easier,” said Pearce. “It’s nice to have people that love your business as much as you do.”

Truck Traffic on Broadway Being Addressed in New Study Underway This Month 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —A new study underway this month may help to address a decades-long question related to the amount of large truck traffic in the downtown area and offer solutions about what the city can begin to do about it.    

The Capital Region Transportation Council (CRTC), in coordination with the city Mayor’s Office, will be conducting the truck traffic study to explore options for enhancing safety and improving traffic flow through the downtown corridor. 

The study will collect data on the number and classification of trucks traveling through the city, their routes, and speed. 

“This is (part of) a larger study of traffic in Saratoga County, and we’re able to be part of this study to determine the number and classification of trucks traveling through the city, their routes, and their speed,” Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim told the council Sept. 7.  

“Here’s the important part: we can’t do anything about the 53-foot trucks that ply our streets, particularly on Broadway, until we know what the volume is, where they’re coming from and where they’re going,” Mayor Kim said. “This is a study that will do that.”  

The following streets are potential areas of study: Broadway (U.S. Rte 9); Ballston Avenue (NY Rte 50); Church Street (NY Rte 9N); Finley/Adelphi Streets; Geyser Road; Lake Avenue (NY Rte 29); Union Avenue (NY Rte 9P); Van Dam Street; Washington Street (NY Rte 29).

Following the study, the CRTC will create a technical memo and outreach material, to help the city better understand truck traffic and what it can do to reduce it, particularly in the downtown area, Kim said.  

Game On: It’s Go Time for Legacy Pickleball Club’s Flagship Location in Ballston Spa

Written by Megin Potter on . Posted in Featured, News.

On Aug. 4, a $2.33 million deal was signed securing Legacy Sports Holdings a 10-year lease for a 4-acre parcel on Route 50, soon to be the home of the largest pickleball center in the region, and the first of five centers like it in the Northeast.  

Renovations to the 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse at Corporate Technology Park, 4 McCrea Hill Road, by Wilton-based contractor the JAG Group, LLC., will include the addition of eight indoor courts, 15 – 20 outdoor courts, a player’s lounge (serving beer and wine), state of the art restroom facilities and locker area, and a pro-shop. 

The pickleball boom is here. 

Relishing the Moment

Today, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America. Early estimates indicated the number of pickleball players in the US would reach 21 million by 2030. According to a recent report by the American Pickleball Association, the popularity of pickleball has exploded well beyond that, shattering early estimates. 

In just the past year, approximately 35 million people participated in the sport. Players are more demographically diverse than previously thought, as well, with the average age of today’s player being 34 years old (median age was 58). Pickleball is also family friendly, with lessons for children often beginning at 8-10-years-old.

“Anyone can play this game and become proficient in a short period of time,” said Legacy Pickleball Club’s General Manager Michael Xirinachs. 

Easy to learn and affordable to play, the demand for pickleball is outpacing available courts locally.  In a private feasibility study, excessive wait times (due to the courts being full on any given day) was the largest concern among residents, followed by travel time – many are commuting more than an hour to play. Of those surveyed, 94% said they’d consider joining a pickleball club and 71% would play more, if an indoor facility were available nearby. 

Carpe Dink’um

As star athletes and tournaments attract record attendance, a wave of investors, sponsors, and retailers are rushing to cash in on the action, which shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 

Highly motivated after previous plans for a facility in Malta were halted, the Legacy Pickleball Club has an aggressive timeline that will see players on their courts this fall. In the future, a 55,000 sq. ft. addition is planned to shelter half of the outdoor courts. 

In addition to protecting the court surface from the elements, having so many indoor courts reduces the need to switch playing styles, which in pickleball, are substantially different for indoor and outdoor play, learned Xirinachs when he embarked on this endeavor as a recreational player two years ago. 

Each change in season thrust him into a different game. Outdoor pickleball is played on asphalt with a harder, faster ball perforated by 40 holes, giving it more kick. 

For indoor courts, the ball is softer, lighter, and has fewer, larger holes, changing the way it hits and grips the playing surface, which in this area, has primarily been glaringly-bright gymnasium floors inundated with a confusing collection of lines (because they must accommodate a variety of other sports, as well).

Instead, Legacy’s proprietary cushioned court system features seven layers of shock-absorbing materials beneath the playing surface that significantly reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries, knee, and joint pain. With the ability to play indoors year-round, players gain experience and confidence, improving their swing, timing, and hand-eye-coordination. 

A Sweet Dill

When Xirinachs moved to Saratoga from Long Island (where he was part-owner in a 100,000 sq. ft. indoor sports dome for six years), what he enjoyed most about pickleball was the welcoming community he found with the sport. 

In addition to its physical health benefits, Xirinachs, a graduate of St. John’s University with a degree in psychology, and the 2021 founder of The-OliveBranch.com (a website encouraging emotional peace within), said being able to bring people of all ages together on a continuous basis around a common interest has many emotional benefits to the community. 

Legacy Pickleball Club is offering general and senior memberships, reserved courts, and drop-in open play times. Courts are arranged by skill level, so beginners won’t be paired with more experienced players. Legacy also provides paddles and balls, if required. Among their 10 full-time staff positions, Legacy is excited to have in-house pro instructor Pete Bogarczuk offering private and group lessons, league, academy, and tournament play. 

Act Now: Within the next two weeks, Legacy Pickleball Club will be launching their Founding Members special. For the first 100 members only; pay a one-time membership fee and court fees will be waved for the entire first year. 

For more information, follow Legacy Pickleball Club on Facebook, Instagram, and go to www.legacypbclub.com

2023 Summer Wrap Up – Saratoga Springs Sees Strong Summer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Photo by Super Source Media.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As another summer begins to wrap up, early indications suggest that it has been another positive season for the local economy in Saratoga Springs.

RACING

The Saratoga Race Course has continued to attract strong numbers, surpassing one million paid fans for the eighth consecutive year, excluding 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a total paid attendance of 1,105,683 according to a press release from NYRA.

The Race Course saw an average daily paid attendance of 27,642, which is reportedly the first year since 2019 that it has drawn an average over 27,000 per day. The all-sources handle was reported at just under $800 million, a slight decrease from 2022, which was mainly attributed to inclement weather. The release states that 65 races were forced off the turf this summer due to weather.

“Thanks to the fans who visited Saratoga Race Course over these 40 days, and all those who watched and wagered from home, the popularity of the summer meet continues to exceed all expectations,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke in the release. “The world-class racing held here each summer is made possible by the owners, trainers, jockeys and backstretch community who collectively dedicate so much to the horses and the sport.”

The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency released a study in January conducted by Camoin Associates on the economic impact of destinations in the city, including the Saratoga Race Course.

According to the study, which measured figures from the 2021 season, the Race Course is responsible for over $370 million in sales and nearly 3,000 jobs annually. It also generates roughly $2.3 million in tax revenue for Saratoga County.

Pat McKenna, NYRA VP of Communications, said the study proves “the popularity of the summer meet is at an all-time high” in recent years, which he said in turn benefits the local economy.

“The importance of the summer meet is not strictly within the gates. Obviously, world-class racing is exciting and dynamic,” said McKenna. “We see that each and every day of those 40 days. But the enduring and growing economic impact outside of the gates, what those visitors mean to hotels in Saratoga, in Clifton Park, in Albany, and throughout the Capital Region. As the support for the summer meet and the popularity has grown, it means that economic impact continues to expand beyond just Saratoga Springs itself.”

BUSINESS

Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said that his interactions with the local business community this summer were “entirely positive.”

“Overall, anecdotally, I had incredibly positive comments from folks,” Shimkus said. “I think the combination of bad weather and some of the national headlines relative to inflation certainly, I would say, caused some anxiety. I think there were some folks that were being conservative in their estimates in terms of what might happen. But all numbers pointed up from what I could see.”

Marianne Barker, co-owner of Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse, said many of the store’s products were well-received, noting both stores “had a great season.”

“For our business, and our type of business, this is our Christmas,” said Barker. “Where most people look forward to the holiday season for their business to go crazy, we look to the summer. We love it.”

LODGING

According to Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga, the 2023 summer was “one for the books,” despite the weather. He said that it was a “very robust season” for Discover Saratoga’s lodging partners.

“Revenues were up, year over year, for sure,” Leggieri said. “When people come to stay in a destination, they spend money. So our retailers and our restaurants, all did very well throughout the city and Saratoga County as a whole.”

Shimkus also emphasized this, saying if hotels do well, “everyone else does well.”

“The early indications are that the hotels did really well, that demand was up slightly, and that the average daily rate that visitors were willing to pay was also slightly up,” added Shimkus.

While figures for the entire summer have not yet been released, lodging trends reported by Discover Saratoga stated that, in the month of July, the revenue per available room had increased by 6.2% in the City of Saratoga Springs, while the average daily rate increased by 14.4%.

“Despite the concerns about the economy and high prices, folks were still very confident to travel, and those numbers support it,” Leggieri said.

Entering the fall, Shimkus said the short-term outlook is strong, noting the calendar of LiveNation performances at SPAC continues through September, and mentioned numerous other events planned in the city in upcoming months.

“The City Center also starts kicking in now with events. And there’s some festivals coming up,” said Shimkus, naming The Saratoga Giant Pumpkin Fest, the Fall Festival, the Victorian Streetwalk, and the New Year’s Fest as examples.

“Our fall calendar looks like we’re going to continue to drive visitors and people together here in Saratoga, which again is just great for the local economy and the businesses that are here.”

Ballston Spa Football Looking To Go ‘A Day At A Time’

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo by Village Photo.

BALLSTON SPA — Coming off a strong 2022 season in Class A, the Ballston Spa varsity football team is back in Class AA this year and looking to take things “a day at a time.”

Scotties’ head coach Jason Ohnsman acknowledged the Class AA schedule will be a “week-in, week-out gauntlet of quality competition.”

“It’ll be different, and it’s something that not a lot of these kids have ever experienced,” said Ohnsman. “But definitely something we’re looking forward to.”

While the Scotties graduated a strong 2022 class that included players such as Darrien Insogna, Aidan Davis, Isaac Turenne, and Troy Gottmann, the team also has a strong group of returning players.

Ohnsman said impact players for Ballston Spa this year will include quarterback Nico Savini, receiver/linebacker Blaine Zoller, and others including Brayson Cornick, Nick Orzel, Jacob Powell, Kala’i Makanani, and Michael Stamper.

“Having those guys back is always nice, because they kind of have a very calm demeanor about maybe more intense situations, because they’ve been there before,” Ohnsman said.

Cornick said the team is hoping to approach each game “one by one” throughout the season, something that was emphasized by Ohnsman.

“Defensively, we’re just trying to hit hard and compete,” Powell added. “Trying to dictate what the offense does, don’t let them dictate what we do.”

Ohnsman praised the team’s leaders for “setting a tone” throughout summer practices leading up to the Scotties’ Week Zero game against Liverpool (Sec. III), a 61-44 loss.

“Football can be tough, in the sense that it’s a lot of practicing, a lot of lifting, and you only get a couple games every year,” said Ohnsman. “We try to be very compartmentalized in the fact that we just want to focus on what we’re trying to accomplish today, because ultimately, if we can stack those days, we’ll be in good shape.”

Savini also said the team is aiming to take each game one by one, with Cornick adding that they are excited to compete.

“We’re all very close this year, so it’s like going out and playing with your best friends,” said Cornick. “It’s just fun.”

Ballston Spa hosts Amsterdam at 7 p.m. Friday. The Scotties will open Class AA play at Saratoga Springs the following week.

While the team is aiming for a playoff appearance, Ohnsman again emphasized that the Scotties are simply focusing on what is in front of them day to day.

“I’d be silly if I didn’t think these guys were thinking playoffs, but we’re trying to focus on getting there first,” Ohnsman said. “That’s a byproduct of our process. If we can handle the things we do day to day, week to week, then that ends up coming to fruition because of those things we’ve done previously.”

Developments, Demolitions, Dispensaries and Condos

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

A proposal for a two-story addition at 395 Broadway – which had previously housed Borders Books, and Fingerpaint Marketing – has been submitted by new ownership to the Saratoga Springs Land Use Boards. Balzer & Tuck Architecture.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A prime piece of downtown architecture is looking to grow taller. 

Prime Group Holdings founder Robert Moser is seeking city Land Use Board approval to add two stories to the company’s existing two-story brick masonry office building at 395 Broadway. If approved, the combined four-story building would serve as office space for Prime Group Holdings on all four floors, 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.

On Sept. 5, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced it had charged Prime Group Holdings LLC for failing to adequately disclose millions of dollars of real estate brokerage fees that were paid to a real estate brokerage firm that was owned by its CEO. “Prime Group agreed to pay a $6.5 million civil penalty and more than $14 million in disgorgement and prejudgment interest to settle the charges,” according to a statement released by the SEC on Tuesday. 

It was not immediately known what effect the company’s payment of $20.5 million to settle the charges may have on its previously expressed plans for adding two stories to its Broadway building.  

Prime Group had previously planned to build a six-story complex with a restaurant, retail and offices at 269 Broadway – adjacent to Saratoga Central Catholic School – until construction estimates climbed well beyond the initial $30 million projection, Robin Cooper reported last month in the Albany Business Review. A decision about what will become of that property has not been decided.   

Plans, proposals and alterations related to Saratoga Springs developments and architecture make their way through one or more of the city’s three Land Use Boards. Those boards are the Planning Board, Design Review Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Meetings are open to the public. For a list of regularly scheduled meetings, go to: saratoga-springs.org.      

Some of the other projects currently making their way through the city’s Land Use Boards.

•A project at 78 Church St., between Clinton and West Harrison streets, involves the demolition of an existing retail business to make room for a 61-foot multi-use residential and commercial building. The proposed five-story building will include 23 condominium units, commercial space on the first floor, and a garage. Applicant: Spring City Development Group, LLC.  

•Station Lane Site Plan West Ave. & Station Lane. Consideration of SEQRA review for a proposed mixed-use project including 9,500 square feet non-residential space and 68 multi-family residential units. The non-residential space is proposed to feature the development of about 6,900 square feet of retail space and 2,600 square feet of restaurant space. The approximate 2-acre project is currently vacant. 

•Adult Use Dispensary: 95 West Ave./250 Washington St. Special use permit for a marijuana dispensary. The applicant – Ten Cees, LLC – says it plans to institute a digital queue system in which customers will order in advance, then wait in their vehicles until being notified via app of their turn to enter the dispensary.  To ensure orderly queuing, physical lines will be established outside the dispensary’s front door at 95 West Ave. and wrap around to the back door, according to documents filed with the city.   

•Stewart’s Shop is looking to re-develop its Express at 177 South Broadway, with the razing of an existing house at 28 Lincoln Ave. and the construction of a new near-4,000 square foot Stewart’s.

•Chipotle area variance: removal of a vacant existing building at 12 Ballston Ave. and in its place the construction of a one-story restaurant.   

Local Champions of Aftercare and Beyond

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Winner's Circle.


 Rainbows End. NYRTC Photo.

With the help of the Frank and Sue Bobley’s 18 Karat Farm in Schuylerville, Bob Scavetta hosts Brunch at the Barn to recognize the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare and more for the Rainbow’s End partners.

When the term “champion” is applied to Thoroughbred racing, it is often applied to a horse or individual who had an outstanding campaign for the year.

However, there are more unsung champions who also play a vital year-round part in the industry, especially with aftercare and organizations who support backstretch workers.

Two of those people are Bob Scavetta and Sue Bobley.

Bobley, along with her husband Peter, has helped Scavetta host the annual Brunch at the Barn on her 18 Karat Farm in Schuylerville. The private event, which started as a luncheon through Kim Weir’s Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) four years ago, gave the partners of Rainbow’s End Racing, co-owned by Scavetta and Mike Iannaconi, an opportunity to interact with retired horses.

“Kim offered a little luncheon, then it started to grow. We are grateful that Sue allows us to use the property,” Scavetta said. “We have partners from St. Louis, Florida, Massachusetts, and a bunch in the Saratoga Springs area. We have people coming from [New York City] just for the Brunch at the Barn. It’s all about the comradery and the love of the horses.”

Bobley’s involvement with horse racing and retired horses started in 1982 when she purchased the late mare Sweet Amaryllis as a riding horse. However, as part of that encouragement into racing, Bobley decided to breed Sweet Amaryllis who produced Extended Forecast in the backyard of her Long Island home.

Extended Forecast won just one race – a maiden victory at Saratoga – before Bobley retired the gelding and sent him to Wallkill Correctional Facility, with the support of TRF, to work with inmates in developing vocational skills in horse care and management. Extended Forecast lived at Wallkill until he was 29 years old in 2012.

“He was too tough for me to ride and I didn’t have a large barn for him to stay,” Bobley said. “So, he was sent Wallkill and I visited him every year. That’s where I met Kim [Weir]. I have always supported the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. That’s my favorite horse charity.”

The turning point from owning horse to solely focus on retired horses for Bobley occurred in early 2012 when her gelding Pretty Boy Freud suffered a fracture during a workout over the Belmont Training Track. 

As Pretty Boy Freud was fortunate to recover over the next few weeks, Bobley decided to bring him to 18 Karat Farm and she got out of racing. Today, the 17-year-old gelding is still active around the farm.

“We saved him. What saved his life is that he could lay down, then stand up,” Bobley said. “He’s here at my farm with other ex-racehorses or horses who didn’t get to the races. I have always promised my horses that they would have a place for life, and I give them a place for life.”

Bobley has given a home to 13 retired horses, the majority of them being Thoroughbreds that include the following: 30-year-old Forest Gumption, Puppy Love (25 years), Theconfidenceman (22 years), Bea Plus (22 years), Beyond Challenge (18 years), Flying Heat (17 years), and Luvacat (14 years).

Meanwhile, Scavetta’s interest and commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare was inspired by Forego and breeder-owner Martha B. (Farish) Gerry. Scavetta still remembers Forego’s historical finish in the 1976 Marlboro Cup with his late charge in the stretch while carrying 137 pounds, then reading Bill Nack’s 1978 column “Any Distance, Any Weight” that reflected on the gelding’s career.

“I remember Ms. Gerry saying, ‘It’s time. The horse has been good to us. So, it’s time that we were good to him.’ That struck me and I was in my early 20s at the time,” Scavetta said. “There’s an owner who understands everything about horse racing. This horse gave them everything he had, every time, and they were champions of doing everything right by the horse. That’s when I thought about aftercare for the first time.”

Iannaconi and Scavetta’s model for the Rainbow’s End puts an emphasis on aftercare while making it simple for anyone to own a share. Scavetta is also transparent through the plethora of emails about the partnership that have five to seven horses – all trained by Tom Morley.

“We make the entry level very simple, enjoyable, and affordable,” Scavetta said. “We are fully transparent. That’s our motto. We send out information on how are horses are doing on a regular basis. We believe in sharing information – both good and bad on a timely manner.”

“We felt a sincere responsibility that should be shared – and is shared – by most owners. That is for aftercare,” he added. “These equine athletes live beyond 25-30 years. They deserve happy and healthy care in their second careers.”

Along Rainbow’s End providing donations to various aftercare programs that include TRF, Take the Lead through the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and ReRun Thoroughbred Adaption in East Greenbush, Scavetta and Iannaconi’s partnership is also a champion for backstretch workers through the New York Race Track Chaplaincy (NYRTC).

Last week, Rainbow’s End sponsored three races for the NYRTC that recognize the groom and hotwalker of the winning horse. Throughout the year, Rainbow’s End offers various monetary donations, provides about 400 cans of soup a couple of times, and donates 30-40 bicycles as part of the Christmas drive.

“We are big fans of the chaplaincy here in New York.” Scavetta said. “We will bring cans of soup because that’s a year-round staple, not just in the winter. Also, a bicycle on the backstretch can change a life when you think about the people on the backstretch. Our goal ultimately is to have anyone on the backstretch who wants a bicycle gets one.”

Just like with horses, Scavetta knows the importance of backstretch workers. He illustrates that for his partners, especially when one of the Rainbow’s End horses win.

“Without the backstretch worker, racing doesn’t exist,” he said. “Those people who are there from the coldest day of February and most-brutally humid days in August. They are wrapping legs every day; they’re bathing; they’re jogging and walking; they are feeding. They do everything that they do to take care of our horses.”

“We have a little tradition,” he added. “Every time when we win a race, I bring breakfast to the barn for all of the workers. We say, ‘When Rainbow’s End wins, everybody eats.’ You would be surprised how much a breakfast sandwich and a juice drink means to people who are there at 4:30 in the morning and working long hours with overtime late in the day. You have to be grateful. You have to be thankful, and you have to share within your ability to do so.”

Economic Driver: The Parking/Park Combo 

Written by Megin Potter on . Posted in Featured, News.


Inside Saratoga County’s new Mobile Command Vehicle. Photo provided.

The question of modern urban parking is answered by pairing the Saratoga Springs City Center’s three-story parking structure with the adjacent Flat Rock Park.

Maximizing parking spaces and green spaces within a city are often conflicting ideals. In Saratoga Springs, the odd pairing equals success. 

Saratoga has been grappling with how to add more parking spaces downtown for at least thirty years, said Saratoga Springs City Center Executive Director Ryan McMahon. 

Plans have come and gone since then, but the one that gained enough momentum to reach fruition was spearheaded by former City Center President  Mark Baker beginning in 2015, at the end of his 33-year career. 

Championed by Joe Dalton, Chairman of the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority Board, then Mayor Meg Kelly, and others; in 2018 the plan for the parking garage and adjoining park was approved. 

Resilient By Design

In 2020, Saratoga Springs City Center parking structure construction was completed. Built of precast concrete, this durable material is not even in the same world as the asphalt used in surface lots, said McMahon. 

“Blacktop is a soft material that needs repaving and constant attention. Concrete is a lot more resilient,” he said, which keeps maintenance costs at a minimum. 

The structure’s three levels steadily accommodate 620 vehicles in a pay-to-park system; the first hour is free, parking costs $2/hour after that, for a maximum of $15/day.

During peak times, from 8am – 6pm daily, and during events, usage exceeds 14,000 transactions/month. Average usage equals 8,000 transactions/month.

Smart Parking

In addition to protection from the weather, lighting, signage, and other safety measures let customers know they (and their property) will remain safe. 

The largest operating expense of the City Center’s $17 million project is the security services provided by US Security. In addition to full-time, overnight building and parking structure security, they monitor the pedestrian bridge and loading docks, two elevators and multiple exits; provide crowd control and services at events with alcohol. The facility’s approximately 35 cameras are monitored remotely, and their blue emergency telephones are directly connected to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. 

Originally built in 1984, today’s expanded City Center and adjoining Saratoga Hilton boast a combined 58,000 sq. ft. of multi-functional leasable space. A positive economic engine for downtown Saratoga Springs, the unique conference complex hosts conventions, corporations, New York State associations, trade groups, northeast regional organizations, and more. Direct economic impacts from visitor spending, as well as indirect and induced economic impacts from business-to-business activity and growth of personal income for residents, result. 

“We’ve had a generally positive reaction to the plan and now, our closest neighbors are supportive and are experiencing the benefits,” said McMahon. 

Flexible Green Space

Last October, Flat Rock Park, at 37 High Rock Ave, officially opened, providing an additional outdoor venue in an advantageous downtown location with easy access to amenities. 

A downtown connector to the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail (a planned 24-mile walking and biking path looping through Saratoga) this public green space offers recreational opportunities while also creating a wildlife corridor connecting nearby High Rock Park with Congress Park. The plantings naturally control water, reduce air pollution and the urban heat island effect.

“It’s a great addition to the area, and a great place to eat lunch,” said McMahon. 

Expanded Event Offerings

In addition to its environmental and health benefits, Flat Rock Park contributes to the city’s economic vitality by hosting events in conjunction with the City Center parking garage. 

In July, when a monumental storm poured down on the Celebrate Saratoga! events (welcoming people downtown for Saratoga Race Course’s Opening Day) the party moved from the Flat Rock Park outdoor stage to the parking garage’s sheltered lower level. 

On July 4th and New Year’s Eve, the third-floor parking deck is used for the city’s fireworks displays, giving everyone in the area a terrific view of the festivities. 

Beginning Sunday, September 3rd, Saratoga Springs’ first Cannabis Growers Showcase will host licensed growers and retailers selling cannabis products. Running Tuesdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 6pm, the Showcase will continue through the end of the year. 

On September 23rd, from 9am – 4pm, the Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest, a free family-friendly event, returns to the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage and Flat Rock Park.

For more information, go to https://www.saratogacitycenter.org

For Saratoga: A New Mobile Command Vehicle to Enhance County’s Emergency Response Efforts

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Inside Saratoga County’s new Mobile Command Vehicle. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials last week unveiled a Mobile Command Vehicle featuring state-of-the-art technology that they said provides First Responders a unified incident command space and allows for more effective and efficient coordination of response efforts in the field.

“During an emergency response incident, having effective, efficient command and communications capabilities is critical for public safety and successful response efforts,” Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said, in a statement. “This new Mobile Command Vehicle will provide us the flexibility to bring the full capabilities of the Sheriff’s Office anywhere in the County, allowing us to engage in operations that might otherwise be impossible.”

The MCV will serve as an on-scene command post, allowing for surveillance, communications support, and mobile dispatching during incidents requiring long term deployment of emergency resources. These may include natural or man-made disasters, missing persons searches, hazmat responses, and similar incidents.  The vehicle can also be used for special security events, emergency service exercises, and community outreach events.  

The vehicle can be deployed anywhere in the county and is equipped with everything emergency management staff need to do their jobs effectively from the field. 

The MCV was paid for by a $250,000 grant facilitated by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner.  Saratoga County was provided a State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM) grant from the NYS Dormitory Authority for the specific purpose in purchasing a new Mobile Command Vehicle.  In 2021, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to purchase this 2022 Mercedes Mobile Command Vehicle for $241,815.  The remainder of the grant was used to outfit the MCV to make it fully operational.   

The MCV’s High Power User Equipment (HPUE) provides a range of features that staff can use to increase communications coverage, improve data speed, and enhance security during an emergency. 

Additional features include: Radio with the ability to talk on marine, aircraft, on primary and back-up talk groups, and on national inter-op channels; Three computer positions outfitted with video conferencing and access to computer-aided dispatch; Ability to collect and share real-time video and photograph information from a scene; Mast-mounted camera allowing for situational awareness.