SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School senior Nick Grosso is this year’s recipient of the Rich Johns Tennis Award. The award was presented to him at the Blue Streaks Sports Award Ceremony on June 17 by Rich Johns himself. The Rich Johns Tennis Award goes to the most outstanding boys’ tennis players. 

“There could not be a more deserving young man to receive this award,” said Rich Johns. “Not only has Nick rewritten the record books as a tennis player, but has shown tremendous character throughout this high school career.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced ticket sale dates for all hospitality areas, including tickets for individual days, for the 2021 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course, which opens Thursday, July 15 and continues through Monday, Sept. 6.

Grandstand season passes and NYRA Bets gift cards will be available for purchase at more than 150 participating Capital Region Stewart’s Shops on Monday, June 21.

Grandstand season passes will be available for $50 through July 18. A season pass provides fans with admission to all 40 days at Saratoga Race Course. Season passes do not include reserved seating. Grandstand season passes may be purchased online at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Clubhouse season passes are $75.

Stewart’s Shops is also the exclusive retailer of NYRA Bets Gift Cards, which are available in $50 denominations and can be used to bet Saratoga Race Course and hundreds of other tracks online with NYRA Bets. NYRA Bets Gift Cards are available at Stewart’s Shops through Sunday, Sept. 5. 

Please visit stewartsshops.com for locations. 

Single-day tickets for reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and The Stretch will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. 

Single-day reservations for tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar, Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, and The Rail at the 1863 Club will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. 

Single-day dining reservations in the Turf Terrace, The Porch, and Club Terrace will be available via Ticketmaster.com on Wednesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. 

Season and weekly ticket plans are currently on sale at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Group hospitality reservations are currently available via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or by phone at 844-NYRA-TIX. Tables in the Festival Tent may be reserved via Ticketmaster.com. 

For more information about hospitality and dining areas at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — AIM Services, Inc., one of the area’s largest providers of support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced the Eighth Annual Croquet on the Green Tournament & Garden Party is scheduled for Aug. 3 at Gavin Park in Wilton. 

Croquet on the Green Tournament & Garden Party, AIM Services’ signature summer event, is an outdoor party and amateur croquet tournament with teams of two, and is open to all ages, abilities, and skill. The event was successfully reinvented in 2020 because of COVID-19 and still raised more than $44,000 through a virtual “play on your own” activity that also helped support local businesses at a time where they needed it most. AIM is excited to be back in-person this year, with added surprises and an impressive list of sponsors. 

The annual Croquet on the Green event is officially sanctioned through the United States Croquet Association (USCA). Knowledgeable Croquet players will be on hand to guide the game. 

Returning this year is the event’s Honorary Chairman, Retired Hall of Fame Jockey, Ramon Dominguez. Sponsors and Honorary Committee members will attend a special pre-event party, The Hour of Potential, with Dominguez and other major supporters. 

“Among the people who receive services from AIM are those with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),” said Dominquez. “As a jockey who had to retire early due to a head injury, I know that AIM gives people with TBIs a chance at living their most independent life possible.” 

Nearly 54 million people annually experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Formed in 1979, AIM Services, Inc. is a 501c (3) non-profit organization providing residential and community-based services to people with physical and intellectual disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injuries and those who are looking for nursing home transition or diversion. 

For more information on how to support AIM Services’ Croquet on the Green contact Marissa Romero at
mromero@aimservicesinc.org or visit www.aimservicesinc.org/events/croquet.

WILTON — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the opening of the Saratoga Sand Plains Archery Range in the town of Wilton on Thursday, June 17. The public archery range, formerly known as Parcel 45 Wildlife Management Area, is the first of its kind in New York State and will provide a unique recreational opportunity for both novice and expert bow hunters and archers. 

The 50-yard archery range has 16 targets, eight adult lanes ranging from 15 to 50 yards, four youth lanes ranging from five to 20 yards, and four lanes accessed by an elevated platform ranging up to 40 yards. The elevated platform simulates shots from a tree stand when deer hunting and allows archers to practice shots from known yardages and angles, promoting safer shot placements for both urban and rural settings. Archers must use a full body harness and connect to the carabiners on the platform while using the elevated stand. 

“DEC’s first-ever archery range, Saratoga Sand Plains will encourage more New Yorkers to take up archery as a sport and help prepare hunters for the hunting season,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “New and experienced bow and crossbow users will appreciate this opportunity to enjoy the recreational aspects of New York’s archery heritage. The range will also benefit the local community, and DEC thanks the town of Wilton and our other partners for their help to develop and open this new facility. 

The range was funded with approximately $15,000 with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program, New York State, and the town of Wilton. DEC worked closely with the town of Wilton on all phases of the project. The town donated time and materials, and town equipment helped clear trees and stumps, build the parking area, and construct the elevated platform. 

The archery range is close to several schools that participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and is a convenient location for the Saratoga County 4H Shooting Sports Program and DEC’s bowhunter education classes. 

The archery range is free and will be open and maintained year-round for public use during daylight hours. To protect public safety, visit www.dec.ny.gov for the rules and regulations that apply. 

11-Week Training Challenge to Shape Up for Race Day Begins July 12

ALBANY — Online registration for the 43rd Freihofer’s® Run for Women, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m., is now open at freihofersrun.com. 

All registrants receive a high-performance women’s commemorative t-shirt, delicious Freihofer’s® products, chip timing, live results, printable finisher certificates, and post-race refreshments courtesy of Price Chopper Supermarkets. The registration fee is $30 through Aug. 30. 

Runners of all abilities looking to get in shape for the region’s premier all-women 5k can also sign up now for the Freihofer’s® Training Challenge, which begins Monday, July 12 at 17 sites in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Dutchess counties. 

The 11-week program, which costs $55, follows a beginner’s 5k training plan, and features weekly, small group training sessions led by mentors. Participants also receive emails with each day’s workout schedule, a tech shirt, and clinics on strength training, nutrition, run form, and injury prevention. A convenient virtual program is also offered for those concerned about being around others or who plan to be away during the summer. For a $40 registration fee, participants receive weekly workout emails, a tech shirt, and the program’s educational resources sent electronically. 

The Training Challenge’s beginner’s program is for women who are new to running or are coming back after a break. The program starts with walking and jogging and progresses as the race date approaches. The intermediate program is for those who have completed a 5k or want more challenging workouts. The advanced program is for athletes ready for focused speed and distance workouts who should already be able to run 5 or more miles at a time.

To learn more and sign up for the Training Challenge, visit freihofersrun.com/events/training-challenge. Online registration through the 5k is the only method of registering. Registration closes on Sunday, July 25. A dedicated Training Challenge Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/freihoferstrainingchallenge. For more information, email khislop@freihofersrun.com

BALLSTON SPA — The Village’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan gets underway this week with a bike lane demonstration and an open house. 

From June 28 to July 6, a 1-block pop-up bicycle project on Hyde Boulevard between Chapman and Grove Street will serve as a demonstration for future bicycle infrastructure improvements. 

The demonstration will include a temporary bicycle lane in each direction, and residents are encouraged to fill out a survey following the pop-up. Hyde Boulevard was chosen for the demonstration because it is a wide street that can accommodate bike lanes for the cyclists coming off the Zim Smith Trail. 

On June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Consultant Team will be at Kelley Park to further discuss the project. A short presentation will be held at 6 p.m. and the remaining time will be an open house for residents of Ballston Spa to share their thoughts and ideas for improvements and implementation priorities. 

The historic Village of Ballston Spa has always had pedestrian-oriented street layout, but it is currently in disrepair; traffic volume and speed are also of concern in the Village. The project’s website states the following: 

“The purpose of the Village of Ballston Spa Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (The Plan) is to enhance the Village Central Business District, surrounding area, and the Route 50 corridor by promoting economic development, improving safety, and creating a connected and integrated multi-modal transportation network for users of all ages and abilities.” 

This network will connect key locations, including the Zim Smith Trail, and is expected to connect other regional trails to the Village through “striping, signage, modifications, repaving, and reconstruction projects.”

The project is being undertaken by the CDTC (Capital District Transportation Committee), and consultants VHB and Planning4Places. The total value of the work is $90,000, and funds have already been awarded – $65,000 coming from CDTC for the consultants, $15,000 from the Village as matching funds and the balance CDTC expertise. 

“The next step is gathering traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian counts and gathering additional public input,” said Village Trustee Liz Kormos. “The end result will be both short and long-term recommendations for improvements to our streets and sidewalks.”

More information about the project can be found at projects.vhb.com/ballstonspapbmp/default.htm. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nick Grosso becomes Saratoga’s first ever Section II Singles Champion, and Toga Tennis gets second place after a hard-fought match in the Section II AA Team Finals.

The Individual Sectional II Tournament for high school tennis was held on Tuesday, June 15. After defeating Ashrith Rao (6-2, 6-2) from Bethlehem in the semi-finals, Grosso advanced and defeated Albany Academy’s Will O’Brien (6-2, 6-0) to claim the Section II Boys’ Tennis Singles Champion title. Grosso ends his tennis career at Saratoga with a perfect 18-0 season. 

Also held this past Tuesday were the Section II Doubles Championships. Saratoga’s doubles team of Andrew Blaha and Vincent Devito finished third. 

Back on Friday, June 11, two of the area premier tennis programs, Saratoga and Bethlehem, faced off in the Section II Team Finals. Bethlehem defeated Saratoga 5-4 to win the championship title. 

Saratoga came out strong in the first three singles matches – Nick Grosso defeated Ashrith Rao, Andrew Blaha defeated Will Bievenue, and Jackson Katusha defeated Graham Hardiman. Then there were numerous three set matches, such as the 4th and 6th singles matches. In the 4th, Vincent Devito lost to Bethlehem’s Hayden Brown. In the 6th, Ian Hill defeated Bethlehem’s Tao Xie. Coming back to the results of 5th singles match, Liam Chartrand lost to Bethlehem’s Aden Haas.

In the doubles matches, Ryan Clancy and Kevin Rosas lost to Jack Burman and Emi Torlasco, Devin Kim and Toby Webber lost to Nyle Dennin and David Bievenue, and Nate Krackeler and Declan Ladd lost to Joey Mocerine and Conner Darcy. Both the 2nd and 3rd doubles matches were 3 sets as well. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — If you don’t know a dink from a volley or want to improve your game, sign up for a Pickleball Workshop. 

Both workshops will be on Thursday, July 1. The Beginner Workshop for ages 14+ will be held from 12-2 p.m. and is geared toward those who have never played or who are interested in improving their skills. The Intermediate Workshop for ages 18+ will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. and is geared towards those rated at a 2.5-3.5 level interested in improving their game. 

Both workshops will be held at the East Side Rec Pickleball Courts located at 226 Lake Ave. Fees are $45 for city residents and $65 for non-city residents. Fees after June 24 are $70 for city residents and $90 for non-city residents. 

You will need a paddle, sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Ken Henderson, Director, Traveling Pickleball Pros. 

Register early to secure a spot. Email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

Girls Basketball

Spend the week working on drills and scrimmages in preparation for the Championship Friday Awards Ceremony! This camp is for ages 5-14, and runs July 12 to July 16 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at East Side Rec (226 Lake Ave). Fees are $80 for City residents and $90 for Non-City residents. After July 5, fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents. Players need to come prepared with a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinator is Tony DeVizzio, SSHS Basketball Coach. 

Intro to Ice Skating

Come build your skills at the ice rink with the best! Intro to Ice Skating is open to those who are just learning to ice skate or are looking to improve their skills. The level-based system of teaching provides a clear path for advancement. Instructors have many years of experience teaching and emphasizing fun and safety while providing proper technique in ice skating basics. Intro to Ice Skating is for ages 3 and up, adults included. This camp runs July 13 to August 17 from 4:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the Weibel & Vernon Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Ave). Fees are $65 for City residents and $85 for Non-City residents. After July 5, fess increase to $90 for City residents and $110 for Non-City residents. Participants need to come prepared with a helmet, warm pants, and a jacket.  Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFA Quadruple Gold Medalist, over 25 years of experience. 

Running

Running camp for girls ages 5-9 will take place June 28 through August 21, M/W/F from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs HS Track. This camp is free. Participants will need a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinators are Art & Linda Kranick. 
Running camp for girls ages 10-18 will take place June 28 through August 21, daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saratoga Spa State Park (Mall area between HMT and Victorian Pool). This camp is free. Participants will need a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinators are Art & Linda Kranick. Running camp for boys ages 10-18 will take place June 28 through August 21, Mondays-Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pitney Meadows Community Farm (223 West Ave). This camp is free. Participants will need a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinators are Shane Zanetti and Tom Reilly. Running camp for families and children ages 4-9 will take place June 28 through August 21, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Pitney Meadows Community Farm (223 West Ave). This camp is free. Participants will need a mask, water, and sneakers. Coordinators are Shane Zanetti and Tom Reilly. 

Softball

This co-sponsored clinic with Miss Softball focuses on softball fundamentals. Drills will be used to develop the skills necessary to become a successful softball player. This is for ages 5-14. This clinic will run from June 28 to July 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (10 Adams Rd). Fees are $80 for City residents and $90 for Non-City residents. After June 21, fees increase to $105 for City residents and $115 for Non-City residents. Players need to bring their own mask, glove, bat, helmet, cleats/sneakers, and water. Coordinator is Saratoga Miss Softball and Saratoga Thunder.

GLENVILLE — Teri Takemori, from the Glenville-based Jason Morris Judo Center, was promoted to Shichidan (7th Degree Black Belt) by the United States Judo Federation on June 1. 

Takemori is originally from Alexandria, VA where she started Judo at her father’s (Jimmy Takemori) nationally renowned club, Washington Judo. Teri started at the age of 10 and quickly was a top junior competitor winning High School Nationals. She then went to school at San Jose State, who had a good college Judo team. After graduating from San Jose State, she moved to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO to continue her Judo training. 

Teri enjoyed a prolific senior career which was highlighted by her 1985 Gold Medal at the prestigious Pacific Rim Championships held at the famed Kodokan in Tokyo, Japan. Teri medaled at the US Senior Nationals eight times and reached the podium at the US Open five times. After her prolific competitive career, Teri rose in the ranks of the refereeing world to achieve the highest international level, which was an “A”, culminating in being chosen to referee at the 2003 World Championships in Osaka, Japan. She was also an Olympic alternate referee for the 2004 Games. Takemori also co-founded the internationally renowned Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in 2000 with her husband, 4x Olympian, Jason Morris. The JMJC has created 9 Olympians, 408 International Medalists, and 133 US Senior National Medalists in its 21-year history. The JMJC also hosts the annual Morris Cup Judo Championships held at the Burnt Hills High School.