SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs 1st Annual Charity Golf Scramble, sponsored by Saratoga Financial Services and The Adirondack Trust Company, will take place Sept. 17 at McGregor Links Golf Club in Saratoga.

Entry fee of $100 per person ($400 per team) includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, raffle prizes, 50/50, and a chance at hole-in-one prizes. 

Registration is at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Entry forms are available through email at saratogarotarygolf@gmail.com or contact Nathan Towne (802-734-5154). Return completed forms with payment information via email, or with checks made payable to Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, P.O. Box 1307, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. 

Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are – choose one – Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College 4-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach. 

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kelsey Briddell (Saratoga Springs HS ’14) and Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna HS ’14) were recently named to the 2021-2022 U.S. National Women’s Field Hockey Team. This marks the first time two local athletes have been selected to the national team. 

Briddell and Hanks were selected after a competitive try-out period involving inter-squad contests, two-a-day practices, strength and conditioning tests, and international competition. 

Briddell was a four-year standout at UAlbany (2018), playing a role as a freshman in the school’s first-ever Final Four appearance in the NCAA Division I National Championships. Hanks started every game in her four-year career at the University of Maryland and helped lead the Terrapins to the national championship game her senior year. 

The U.S. National Team recently concluded a four-game overseas schedule playing two games each against Belgium and defending 2016 Olympic champion Great Britain. Briddell earned her first “caps” in international competition, starting in three of those contests. Hanks, meanwhile, remained home working closely with the national team strength coach and physical therapist rehabbing from foot surgery; she had extensive international experience in 2019. 

Briddell and Hanks were both All-State high school field hockey athletes, as well as teammates, on the highly regarded ADK Club Team for several years. ADK – under the coaching of UAlbany head coach Phil Skyes, and his wife, Jean – has produced an extensive list of Division I field hockey athletes. 

The U.S. National Team is presently in Charlotte where they will continue training through December. The team will be traveling to Santiago, Chile in January followed by a European tour. 

Both Briddell and Hanks have trained at Saratoga Peak Performance under the direction of Kelsey’s father, Dr. Bryan Briddell. 

“Kelsey and Carrie are unquestionably two of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure to train,” said Briddell. “What separates them from other hard-working athletes, however, it is their incredible focus and attention to detail. Both are intrinsically motivated and are always putting extra time in with their conditioning and stick skill. Their nutrition is impeccable, they get their required sleep, and they’re excellent at recovery strategies. You can’t ask for two more coachable athletes.” 

MALTA — The 12th annual 5K and 10K Road Race will take place on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Malta’s two technology parks: NYSERDA’s Saratoga Technology and Energy Park & Luther Forest Technology Campus. The 10k will begin at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m.

Since its inception in 2010, this event has raised over $275,000 to support veteran and Malta’s emergency first responders. To register go online to www.malta5k.com/registration.html 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 3rd Annual Bob Best Memorial Golf Tournament is fast-approaching, but there is still time left to register. 

In 2018, after Bob Best’s sudden passing, his family and friends created the Bob Best Memorial Scholarship to benefit the Saratoga Regional YMCA, along with the Bob Best Memorial Golf Tournament. 

This year’s tournament will take place on Friday, Sept. 24 at McGregor Links Country Club (359 Northern Pines Road, Wilton) with a shotgun start at 12:00 p.m.; a dinner and silent auction will follow. The cost to enter in the tournament is $125 per person/$500 per foursome; dinner only is $40 per person. Registration and payments must be received by Friday, Sept. 10. 

Proceeds from the golf tournament fund the scholarship. Partnering with Saratoga Builders Association, $1,000 from the scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who is pursuing a career in the building trades. The remaining amount benefits the SRYMCA. 

Bob and his wife, Lisa, and family were long-time members of the YMCA. Through their experience, they saw firsthand the great benefits that Y membership and programs provides a family. Lisa found through her role as a teacher that at-risk-students who were given financial assistance to the Y benefited from the positive influence the Y had on them through their programs. To date, the fund has raised close to $30,000. 

Steve Butler, Saratoga Springs Branch Executive Director, listed the after-school care, the nine-week summer camp, and the daycare/childcare as examples of what the funds assists families with.

“The funds offset the cost for caregivers, whether it’s 100%, 50%, etc.,” said Butler. “We won’t turn anyone away just because they can’t afford it.” 

To register for the tournament, visit srymca.org/bob-best-golf-tournament. If you are interested in supporting scholarship fund through a monetary donation or are interested in the scholarship opportunities, please contact Steve Butler at 518-583-9622 ext. 118 or steve.butler@srymca.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skate Jam returns to East Side Rec. as ON DECK Saratoga fundraises for a new skatepark. 

On Friday, Aug. 27, Skate Jam returns to Saratoga Springs East Side Recreational Skatepark. The event, starting at 4:30 p.m., will feature prizes and raffles from Seasons skate shop, Town and Country skate shop, and Death Wish Coffee, as well as food donated by Stewart’s Shops and a DJ set from Thomas Dragonette. Prizes will be given out to skaters for demos of the “worst trick” and the 30-and-over “Senior Shred” event. 

“It’s a fun activity to honor different types of skateboarding and skateboarding throughout the years,” said Belinda Colón, co-founder of ON DECK Saratoga. 

ON DECK Saratoga was founded by Colón and her husband, skateboarder Benj Gleeksman as a not-for-profit organization that raises support for skateboarding and skateboarders of all ages in Saratoga through community-based events. ON DECK has been working towards the goal of getting a modern, fully concrete skatepark installed at East Side Rec., and the City of Saratoga Springs has recently designated $265,000 for the skatepark construction. ON DECK is looking to raise a total of $350,000 to break ground on the project. 

“The culture around skateboarding has changed over the last 20 years for the better,” said Gleeksman. “The skatepark is where kids go when they don’t do mainstream sports and don’t want to sit inside playing video games. It is the only facility at East Side Rec. that is used year-round. They are out there digging it out of the snow in the winter, and that is a testament to how important it is.”

The Saratoga Springs East Side Recreation Skatepark (or Saratoga Springs Skatepark) is the oldest municipal skatepark in New York. It is an iconic spot in east coast skateboarding culture, and a handful of iconic pro skaters and artists grew up there. Gleeksman could name three you probably will recognize:

Johnny Schilleref, the co-founder of Element Skateboards, skated at the park in the 80’s, and so did Josh Carter, half of the band Phantogram. Jeremy Fish skated and worked at the park, back when they had employees. Fish has become a famous artist living in San Francisco, and even has a day named after him – “Jeremy Fish Day” is Nov. 19 by the way. 

ON DECK is always looking for new opportunities to promote the importance of skateboarding in Saratoga through community events, afterschool programs, or attending Gleeksman’s skate camp with the Rec. Department. Reach out to ON DECK Saratoga through their email ondecksaratoga@gmail.com with your ideas. 

“However people want to help,” said Colón. “We are hoping to do more demonstrations and gatherings like Skate Jam in the future.” 

Drop-in to Skate Jam on Friday or donate to the skatepark construction fund through PayPal on ON DECK’s website, www.ondecksaratoga.org, or Venmo at @ondecksaratoga. Rain date for Skate Jam is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28.

Intro to Ice Skating 

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are – choose one – Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Field Hockey 

Drive up your skills! The Field Hockey League is geared towards the individual looking to learn the sport through drills and team play. Tuesday’s session will focus on skill development and Saturday’s sessions will focus on team play. 

The Field Hockey League is for ages 8 to 14. The league will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23 on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Rec. Center Field (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Players will need a water, stick, shin guards, and mouth guard; the Rec. Department will supply each participant with the necessary equipment if they do not own it. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents.

Coordinator is Jenna Cappezutti, Elmira College 4-year starter and former Scotia-Glenville coach. 

Volleyball

Serve up your best! The Volleyball Program focuses on skill development and the teaching of rules and strategy in order to become a better volleyball player. Two sessions will be offered, one for 8 to 12 year-olds and another for 13 to 16 year-olds. 

The Volleyball Program will run from Sept. 15 to Oct. 20 at the Rec. Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave). Ages 8-12 will play on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 13-16 will also play on Wednesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Participants will need a water and sneakers. 

Fees before Sept. 6 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 6 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Led by the Belmont Stakes and Jim Dandy winner Essential Quality, the nation’s top 3-year-olds will soon meet at the Spa for the marquee race of the summer season – the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers. 

Sponsored by Runhappy, a champion sprinter currently standing at the Claiborne Farm, the Runhappy Travers will be run for the 152nd time on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Saratoga Race Course. 

General admission tickets are $15 when purchased in advance. The walk-up price on Runhappy Travers Day is $20. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online). 

A limited number of Clubhouse admission tickets are available for $25. There are no Clubhouse upgrades on Runhappy Travers Day. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. with a first post time of 11:35 a.m. Breakfast and tram atours are not offered on Runhappy Travers Day. 

For the third consecutive year, FOX will air the Runhappy Travers as the centerpiece of a 90-minute telecast beginning at 5 p.m. The networks of FOX and FOX Sports will air 7.5 total hours of live racing and analysis on Runhappy Travers Day, with coverage scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on FS1. 

The Runhappy Travers is the centerpiece of a card featuring seven stakes and six Grade 1s, offering $4.6 million in total purse money. The Runhappy Travers is the oldest stakes race for 3-year-olds in the United States. The inaugural edition took place on Aug. 2, 1864, as the first race ever held at the present-day Saratoga Race Course and was named for track co-founder William R. Travers. 

The 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet concludes on Labor Day. 

ALBANY — With a little more than a month to go until the 43rd Freihofer’s Run for Women (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.), event organizers are seeking volunteers for a variety of positions both on race day and during the week leading up to the prestigious all-women road race. 

Some of the roles available for the 5K include event set up and tear down, course/finish line water stops, refreshments, and packet pick-up/registration. Support is also needed for both of the Freihofer’s Run for Women’s companion events, the Freihofer’s Junior 3K and Freihofer’s Kids’ Run, which are offered to children ages three to 14. Tasks include organizing runners at the start and finish of each event, guiding and directing runners out on the course, assisting at the finish line, as well as handing out awards. 

“It takes about 600 volunteers to make all three events run smoothly,” said Freihofer’s Run for Women Volunteer Coordinator Rachel Gershon Rourke. “Whether you have a few hours or more to spare, we’d appreciate your support to ensure this event remains the Capital Region’s premier running event.”

The Freihofer’s Run for Women also needs individuals on Wednesday, Sept. 22 to break down and organize pallets of donated food. Assistance is also sought to help vendors locate and set up their booths and interface with runners at the Freihofer’s Health & Fitness Expo, which runs Thursday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 24 from noon to 7 p.m. at The Amory at Russell Sage College on New Scotland Ave. 

To learn more and register, please visit www.runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/NY/Albany/FreihofersRunforWomen. For specific questions, please email gershonrourke@nycap.rr.com or call 518-506-3208. 

For additional information about the 43rd annual Freihofer’s® Run for Women, 33rd annual Kids’ Run and 11th annual Freihofer’s® Junior 3K Run, visit freihofersrun.com. From the homepages, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube pages. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County Public Health Department has confirmed that the county is experiencing a high level of COVID-19 community transmission, fueled by the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. It is the responsibility of every government and every citizen to make a determined effort to combat the spread of the virus. 

As a result of the high transmission level and the spread of the Delta variant, the City Council has adopted a resolution that requires all employees and visitors, whether fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unvaccinated, to wear a mask when entering City buildings and facilities, and/or indoor events sponsored by the City. 

For recreation facilities (i.e. the Recreation Center and Ice Rinks), the following shall apply: 

Facemasks are to be worn appropriately (over the nose and mouth) at all times while inside a recreation facility unless players are unable to tolerate a face covering for physical activity (e.g. practicing, playing); provided, however, that coaches, trainers, and other individuals who are not directly engaged in physical activity are required to wear a face covering. Upon leaving the activity area for any reason, the facemask must again be appropriately worn. 

This resolution took effect Monday, Aug. 23. Your cooperation is appreciated.