NEW YORK — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced that the tenth annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count will take place at multiple sites along the banks of the Hudson River on Saturday, July 31.

“I encourage New Yorkers and visitors to get outdoors or go online and enjoy this opportunity to learn about the fish living in the Hudson River,” Commissioner Seggos said. “With sites from New York Harbor to Waterford, there are plenty of great spots to choose from to participate in the annual fish count close to home.” 

The public is invited to join naturalists from the Capital Region to New York City to explore the variety of creatures usually hidden below the river’s surface. Fresh upriver and salty at New York City, the Hudson River’s estuary and watershed are home to more than 200 fish species, including several that migrate into the river from the Atlantic Ocean each spring to spawn. Eleven sites will offer in-person opportunities for the public and three will livestream the fish count on DEC’s Facebook page.

During the fish count, participating organizations encourage visitors to help collect fish using seine nets, minnow traps, or rods and reels. Seining involves pulling a 30-foot net through the water and checking out the fish, crabs, and other river-life caught in its mesh. Participants may watch from shore or jump into available waterproof waders and help pull in the net. The fish are released after everyone has a chance to see them up close.

Participating groups share their catch results by posting to the DEC Twitter feed with the hashtag #hudsonriverfishcount. Comparing notes builds understanding of the diversity of fishes and habitats in the Hudson, the vitality of the estuarine ecosystem in urban and rural settings, and the influence of salinity and tides. For more information, visit the Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count page on the DEC’s website, and watch a clip about seining in the Hudson River on DEC’s YouTube Channel. 

All Fish Count programs are family-friendly and free of charge. The event is sponsored by the DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program in partnership with the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and other environmental organizations. For more information email hrteach@dec.ny.gov. 

Peebles Island State Park in Waterford is the only participating site in Saratoga County. The Fish Count at this site will begin at 9 a.m. and will be livestreamed on the DEC Facebook page at 10:30 a.m. Peebles Island State Park is a DEC Region 4 Fishery.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs, will host its second golf fundraiser “Saratoga 9 and Wine” on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club.

The event is a nine-hole scramble format golf outing with two tournaments being played on the front and back nine holes simultaneously. In addition, the event will feature wine and spirits tastings along the course, as well as other contests and activities. 

Funds raised through the event will benefit The Campaign For Springs to renovate the Springs Building at Wesley Health Care Center. The project will create a contemporary, efficient, and home-like environment on the building’s second, third, and fourth floors. Phase one of the project was completed in 2016. 

This year’s event is being co-chaired by Tara Anne Pleat and Jim Carminucci, both members of The Wesley Foundation Board of Directors. 

“We are excited to bring the ‘Saratoga 9 and Wine’ back for 2021. This is a fun way to enjoy a round of golf and raise money for a great cause,” said Pleat. “The Springs Building renovation is an important project for The Wesley Community and will improve the lives of our residents.” 

Premier Sponsors for this year’s event include: Lemery Greisler; Saratoga Financial Services; Unidine, Marshall & Sterling Insurance; Ray Martin & Crescent Hill Partners; CDPHP: Angerame Architects; and The Fort Miller Group. 

Gold Sponsors to-date for the event are Jersen Construction; Ruth Pouliot; N. Fox Jewelers; Mannix Marketing; Adirondack Case Management & Advocacy; and Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC. Bronze Sponsors include Aim Services and Select Rehabilitation. Tastings along the course are donated by CaliVista Wines of Mendoza Argentina, Cooperstown Distillery Beverage Exchange, and One with Life Tequila.

Golf registrations are $110 per person or $440 for a group of four and include tastings along the course as well as lunch. Advance registration is required and can be made by phone at 518-691-1420 or at www.saratoga9andwine.com.

Saratoga Lake Golf Course is located at 35 Grace Moore Road in Saratoga Springs.

PATERSON, NJ — Athletes from the Glenville-based Jason Morris Judo Center won 17 overall medals including seven Gold at the 16th Annual Summer Slam Judo Championships held at the JFK High School in Paterson, NJ on Sunday, July 18. 

Kyle Tran (15) led the way – winning Gold in the 15-16yrs. 60kg weight class, winning Gold in the 17-18yrs. category, and picking up a Silver in the men’s elite 60kg division. Ian Berliner was also a triple medalist – winning Gold in the men’s brown belt 66kg division, Bronze in the men’s 66kg weight class, and Bronze in the 17-18yrs. 66kg category. Priscilla Foster (17) was a double Gold medal winner, taking the women’s elite 48kg division as well as the 17-18yrs. 48kg category. Ari Berliner (22) moved up a weight and won the 73kg elite men’s division, while Melissa Myers (25) captured a Gold in the women’s elite 70kg weight class. Zach Judy (28) pulled down the men’s 60kg title, then Kell Berliner (27) took a Bronze in the men’s 90kg category. Jess Alaynick (18) was a double medalist, taking Silver in the women’s 78kg as well as a Bronze in the 17-18yrs. 78kg category. Angelica Foster (14) was also a double medalist, winning Bronze in the 13-14yrs. 48kg weight class as well as a Bronze in the 15-16yrs. division. Eduardo Cruz (19) picked up a Bronze in the men’s brown belt 73kg division to close out the JMJC medal count at the Summer Slam. 

3V3 LEAGUE

Red Team vs. Black Team 
Red (26): Jeffrey Oswald – 16, Michael Herring, Jr. – 4, Brayden Baumgardner – 4
Black (23): Connor Hogan – 9, Thomas Oswald – 6

Green Team vs. Blue Team
Green (28): Ethan Hammer – 20, Jax Holub – 6 
Blue (18): Harrison Thomas – 6, Nick Cameron – 6, Olivia Simon – 4

JR. DIVISION 

Five Guys vs. Carson’s Woodside Tavern 
Carson’s (43): Noah Diulio – 15, Tabias Daloisio – 16 
Five Guys (42): Chase Billington – 19, Aiden Faulkner – 14

Saratoga Gelato vs. Curtis Lumber 
Saratoga Gelato (41): Jasyn Thompson – 14, Owen Mongan – 8
Curtis Lumber (25): Evan Rosettie – 9, Jacob Herandez – 6 

SR. DIVISION

Fat Paulie’s vs. Cudney’s Launderers & Dry Cleaners
Fat Paulie’s (50): Bryant Savage – 10, Tommy Maurer – 9 
Cudney’s (35): Jude Aliperti – 12, Kemauri Johnson – 11 

Pashley’s Construction vs. P.B.A. 
P.B.A. (51): Matt Salway – 13, Ben Van Valkenburg – 10
Pashley’s (48): Stephon Beebe – 15, Everett Smith – 13

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa City Baseball Camp just held their first session of camp and is gearing up for a second session in August. 

The first session of the Saratoga Central Catholic Saints summer baseball camp was held July 5 through July 8 and had 42 players attend, despite the holiday weekend. Saratoga Central Catholic baseball coaches, Alphonse Lambert and Dale Long, run the camp. Coach Lambert has been the head baseball coach at Saratoga Central Catholic for 33 years and has been running these camps just as long. Coach Long has been the head assistant coach at SCC for 15 years. The Saints baseball program has a 30-year-long tradition, in which its current players learn from alumni. 

“I started this camp to give an opportunity for kids to hone their skills,” said Coach Lambert. “In baseball, a lot of the time kids play so many games, and the little things they can work on get pushed to the side in practices. What we do in our camp is we break down each skill into stations.” 

These hands-on stations include the following fundamental skills: hitting, base running, and pitching; individual attention is paid to each player.

Traditionally, three camps/sessions are run. July’s session was for the kids who aren’t playing travel ball and Allstars to keep their skills up, however the kids who are could still attend to get some extra practice. The session in August is intended to get the players ready for fall ball. And, a winter camp usually runs the second week of March, just before Little League evaluations. 

The two weeks of camp in the summer ran in 2020 with no problems – players were socially distanced, and masks were worn; 50 kids attended the first session. 

Despite the pandemic and being the youngest varsity team in their league, the Saints still had a great baseball season. With four eighth grade starters and a seventh grader, they pulled off a 12-8 record. 

“The seniors were real role models for the young guys,” said Coach Lambert. “They showed them the way of Saratoga Catholic baseball.”

Varsity players, alongside Coach Lambert, Coach Long, and alumni volunteers, will continue to demonstrate “the way of Saratoga Catholic baseball” with the kids ages 8-14 who attend the August session. The camp will run Aug. 9 through Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Side Rec. Field (6 Coach Waldron Way) in Saratoga Springs. The cost of the camp is $175, and the price includes a t-shirt. For more information and to register visit www.spasaints.com. Fill out the registration form and mail a check (payable to Spa City Bombers) to the address listed on the form. 

Open Public

Open Public sessions are recreational ice skating sessions for participants of all ages. No figure skating or hockey is allowed on Family Open Public sessions. 

Fees are $4 for City residents with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $5. Skate rentals/sharpenings are $5. Cash or check made out to Commissioner of Finance only. 

Open Stick

Open Stick sessions are designed to work on hockey drills for participants of all ages. No games allowed. 

All participants must wear a helmet with a cage or face shield and gloves.

Fees for City residents are $9 with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $11. A Community Pass account and a City or Non-City Rec Card are required to participate.

Family Stick

Family Stick sessions are designed to work on hockey drills for children 13 and under and parents. No games allowed. 

All participants must wear a helmet with a cage or face shield and gloves. 

Fees for City residents are $9 with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $11. A Community Pass account and a City or Non-City Rec Card are required to participate. 

Open Adult (17+) Hockey

Pick-up hockey sessions for those 17 years and older only. Full hockey gear including helmet with a cage or face shield and gloves required.

Fees for City residents are $9 with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $11. Goalies are free. A Community Pass account and a City or Non-City Rec Card are required to participate. 

Open Adult (60+) Hockey

Pick-up hockey sessions for those 60 years and older only; goalies only can be under 60. Full hockey gear including helmet with a cage or face shield and gloves required.

Fees for City residents are $9 with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $11. Goalies are free. A Community Pass account and a City or Non-City Rec Card are required to participate. 

Open Figure

Sessions are designed for figure skating practice and lessons.

Fees for City residents are $11 with a Blue Rec Card. All others are $13. Coaches are $6. A Community Pass account and a City or Non-City Rec Card are required to participate. 

Visit www.saratoga-springs.org to view the complete schedule. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. Early bird registration period ends one week before camp starts! Fees increase $25 after.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Annika Kilinski finished 2nd in the world in the Young Adult Division at the National Ninja League (NNL) World Championship and received a 3rd place medal in the Step by Step skills category. She will be competing in the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) Worlds in Las Vegas on July 30. Annika placed first in the Area and Regional qualifiers, and also first in both Area and Regional UNAA qualifiers. 

“I had such an amazing experience at my 2nd NNL World competition and met so many new friends from all over the world,” said Annika. “I could not have performed as well as I did without training at the Saratoga Ninja Lab with my awesome coaches and teammates!”

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – John Dellavilla!

At 82 years old, John participated in the Vermont Senior Games in June 2021, winning a gold medal in the 50-meter sprint for the second year in a row, and a silver in the 100-meter sprint. John also won silver in the shot putt for the second year in row, and a silver in the long jump. 

When he participated in the NYS Empire Games in 2019, he won gold in the 50-meter, and a bronze in both the hammer throw and shot putt. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Due to the overwhelming success of the first round of pickleball workshops at Saratoga Springs Recreation Department, they have decided to offer another round on Thursday, July 22. 

They will be hosting two Beginner Workshops for ages 14+ from 12 to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. These are geared toward those who have never played or are interested in improving their skills. 

The Intermediate Workshop for ages 18+ will be held from 9 to 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 Avenue. Fees are $45 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after July 19 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 and save. Please email recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor Capital Region frontline workers for their dedication and service to the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic during Health Care Heroes and First Responders Day, presented by CDPHP, at the Saratoga Race Course on Friday, July 16. 

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all health care professionals and first responders with proper identification. Gates open at 11 a.m.

NYRA will welcome doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and vaccine site workers from Capital Region hospitals and healthcare organizations to the winner’s circle for a race named in their honor. Local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics will also receive special recognition in the winner’s circle with their own race. 

The day will begin with a special performance of the National Anthem by Raymond Agnew, Vice President, Hospital & Community Engagement from Glens Falls Hospital. The afternoon will include a special appearance by the New York State Police Pipes and Drums who will perform on the track apron. 

Among the Capital Region health care workers recognized on-track will be professionals from Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls Hospital, the New York State Department of Health, Saratoga Hospital, and The Wesley Community. 

First responders represented will include officials from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office, Clifton Park EMS, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, Saratoga Springs City Fire Department, and Saratoga Springs Police Department. 

On July 12, NYRA announced its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, a new initiative designed to honor local frontline and essential workers who went above and beyond during the pandemic, including health care workers, first responders, grocery associates, and public service, postal and transportation workers, amongst others. 

Each Friday of the 2021 summer meet, beginning July 23, NYRA and CDPHP will recognize one Capital Region resident for their service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each NYRA Hometown Hero, presented by CDPHP, will receive the opportunity to present the trophy in the winner’s circle during a race that afternoon. 

Nominations for the NYRA Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, may be submitted via email at hometownhero@cdphp.com through Aug. 15, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. Submissions should include contact information for both the nominee and nominator, as well as a brief description (250 words or less) of why the nominee should be recognized as a NYRA Hometown Hero.

For additional information, visit NYRA.com.