SARATOGA SPRINGS — Camp Abilities Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Lions Club are very pleased to announce the receipt of a $12,100 grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust. 

Camp Abilities will be back this summer for their seventh year. The camp, held at Skidmore College, is a weeklong overnight camp for children and teens who are blind, visually impaired, and deafblind. This camp is a service project of the Saratoga
Springs Lions.

The camp has been operating annually since its inception in 2014 and serves 26 campers. The Camp is staffed with 20 counselors residing on-site, a number of sports specialists, 24-hour RN coverage, and various other staff as needed during a week filled with fun and exciting activities.

The monies will enable Camp Abilities Saratoga to purchase a second trailer which will be used for storage of the specialized equipment needed for the variety of educational activities the campers are able to experience. The trailer should be fully customized and ready by this May or June, well before the campers arrive at Skidmore College for their big week the first part of August.

 “The generosity of Alfred Z. Solomon or of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust should not be a surprise to anyone in the Saratoga Springs area,” says John McDonald, Board President of Camp Abilities Saratoga. 

“In fact, a previous gift from this same Trust enabled the purchase of our first trailer which now is used to house a variety of equipment and the twenty tandem bikes that the campers like so much,” McDonald said.

Over the years the Alfred Z. Solomon charitable Trust has been a very generous supporter of CAS. 

Camp Abilities of Saratoga is one of 26 Camp Abilities in the world, it is the only one that is run by a Lions organization, which aids in the fundraising and organization of the camp. Camp Abilities is completely free for its campers, and the counselors, who are graduate and undergraduate students studying adaptive sports technology and education, participate as a form of service, only for a moderate stipend. 

Donation and fundraising opportunities to support the Camp Abilities Saratoga are available all year. For further information visit campabilitiessaratoga.org/donate.

“Lions serve. It’s that simple, and it has been since we first began in 1917. Our clubs are places where individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improving their communities, and the world. The Lions Club aims to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Club,” the Lions website said. 

DANBURY, CT/ BALLSTON SPA — Ten year-old Leyanna Klotz places 2nd in the all-around at the “Team Challenge” at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. Klotz is a level seven gymnast from Ballston Spa.

Photos provided.

SCHUYLERVILLE ­— On Sunday, February 23, Schuylerville student Hannah Klingebeil took first place in the NYSPHSAA Championship Slalom races at West Mountain. Congratulations, Hannah!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Starting on Saturday, March 14, the Spa Saints will be hosting their 30th Annual Saints Baseball Camp, concluding on March 15. This two-day camp has something to offer for all ages. The children will have access to an all-star local baseball team and their award-winning, NYS Baseball Hall of Fame inductee coaching staff.

Supervised by Alphonse Lambert, head coach of Saints baseball for the last 32 years, and Dale Long, Jr., assistant coach for 12 years, children will have the amazing opportunity to learn from the best.

Saints baseball has won 15 league, five sectional, and three regional championships. This year’s team is looking good!

Ages 5-12 are accepted into this camp and have designated time slots: from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., ages 5-6 will be at camp; 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. ages 7-8; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. ages 9-10; and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages 11-12 on both days.

Participants are not required to do both days, but the option is available. Both sessions cost $60 per child or one day is only $30 per child. Pre-registration is suggested due to popularity of the camp. Walk-ins are accepted if there is space on the day. 

“These sessions are designed to give each player professional instruction in such vital areas as hitting, pitching, defense, and base running. There will be individual attention paid to each player,” stated in the brochure.

Coach Lambert said this will be a very hands-on clinic where participants will be “working to improve their skills.”

Players must bring baseball hat, glove, and a bat. Attire is shorts or sweats, t-shirt, and sneakers.

For more information, visit www.spasaints.com or contact Coach Lambert at 518-338-8996.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Women who are interested in completing their first 5K, becoming more competitive runners, or setting a new PR or “personal record,” are invited to join the 10th annual Freihofer’s Training Challenge, which kicks off Monday, March 16 at sites throughout the Capital Region. 

Participants can sign up for the 11-week course to 5K program when they register online for the Freihofer’s Run for Women. Online registration through the 5K registration (freihofersrun.com) is the only method of registering for this program.

“Whether it’s your first or 30th time running/walking the 5K, our program can help you. We offer a beginner program for those who are new to running and an intermediate program for those who completed last year’s challenge or want more interval workouts,” said Kristen Hislop, co-director, Freihofer’s Run for Women. 

“Our advanced program is tailored to those who want to run longer and are ready for focused speed and distance workouts. Our mentors encourage participants to move groups based on how they feel and how they are running. In May, we preview the Freihofer’s course, which is always a fun and uplifting workout,” Hislop explained.

The Training Challenge costs $55 and includes a Training Challenge tech shirt; seminars and clinics relating to strength training, nutrition, injury prevention, running form and core strength; and offers from program partners, including a free 10-week Capital District YMCA membership.

Training Challenge registrants, who are welcome at all locations, are asked to select one of the Monday, Wednesday, Thursday Training Challenge sessions.

Mondays: 
• The Corning Preserve at 6:30 a.m. (until there is morning light and then it will move to 6 a.m.)
• The Crossings of Colonie (580 Albany Shaker Rd., Loudonville) at either 1 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: 
6 p.m. at these YMCA branches: 
• Bethlehem, 900 Delaware Ave., Delmar
• Greenbush, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush
• Guilderland, 250 Winding Brook Drive
• Southern Saratoga, One Wall Street, Clifton Park
• Troy, 2500 21st St., Troy
Note: Those choosing a Y location will receive a membership if not already a member.

Thursdays:
• 6 p.m. at iRun LOCAL, 425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs 

Saturdays: 
A group workout session will then be held each Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Colonie Town Park (71 Schermerhorn Rd., Cohoes).  This session will conclude with seminars and clinics relating to strength training, nutrition, injury prevention, running form and core strength.

Those in the intermediate and advanced groups will incorporate an additional weekly workout on their own schedule.

“The program is a gradual build,” explained Hislop. 

“Whether you join the beginner or advanced group, each session builds on the previous, so you never do too much. Our beginners will start with 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking. We alternate that for a total of 20 minutes. Each workout includes a dynamic warm-up, followed by stretching at the end. The program is tailored to all levels of runners and certainly all ages,” she stated.

For those who can’t attend Freihofer’s Training Challenge sessions in person, but would still like to increase their fitness levels, a virtual Training Challenge program is also offered. The program, which costs $10, features e-mails sent 3-4 times a week outlining workouts for beginner, intermediate and advanced runners. 

“I would say to people who have never done this before, sign up, take a chance and I promise you won’t regret it,” added Hislop.

“We have awesome mentors who are ready to join you for your workouts. Set your fears aside, leave the I can’ts at home, and come run with us,” she said.

To register for the Training Challenge or virtual program, visit freihofersrun.com/training-challenge. Registration closes Wednesday, April 1. 

For more information about the Freihofer’s Run for Women, Kids’ Run and Freihofer’s Junior 3K Run, visit freihofersrun.com. From the home page, you can also link to the event’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. 

Event sponsors: Freihofer’s, Price Chopper Supermarkets, The City of Albany and 99.5 The River.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— “The more you dream, the more you achieve.” – Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps.

Eleventh grader Luke Baringer understands how swimmer Phelps feels. He is a top student, with a 95 average last quarter, at Saratoga Springs High School, and he is an asset to their swimming and golf teams.

“I started swimming the summer before third grade competitively. When I was in 8th grade I decided to swim on Saratoga’s team,” Baringer explained.

He swam for the Sharks competitively which is the Schenectady/Saratoga swim club.

“I just loved to swim, I thought it was interesting. I practiced a lot the summer before I started in a pool where I could swim laps,” he said.

This year, Saratoga had a small team of only 20 swimmers, and that was their biggest challenge and greatest asset.

“We were a close team, we’re all good friends. After every swim meet, we’d go to McDonald’s and it was a lot of fun,” Baringer said.

He swam in two races: the 200 free and the 100 free. In sectionals, he swam the 200 in 155 seconds and the 100 in 52 seconds.

He loves the team mentality the most about swimming.

“Being on a team and making that team effort instead of being on your own and having to fight for yourself, it’s really fun to have everyone cheer you on,” he said nostalgically. His coach, William Asay, was “excellent.”

Baringer is also a golfer, which he says is a drastically different mentality from swimming.

“They’re both so different. Golf is a big mental sport and it takes a lot of practice. Swimming is just about training hard,” he said.

Golf is Baringer’s favorite sport, and he intends to play in college.

With one year of high school left, he intends to swim again next season and start training in the summer.

“This summer I plan on doing some open water swimming with my friends to prep for next season. Last summer I went to the Gators Club in Glens Falls. I swam there twice a week to train and get in shape for this past season,” he said.

School is also very important to him and last quarter he had a 95 average.

“Typically, after a day of practice I’ll get home around 6 o’clock and I’ll spend time on my academics. I probably do homework for about two and a half hours every night, I work hard,” Baringer explained.

He cites his parents, Mike and Amy, and his teammates as the biggest support system on his swimming journey.

Volunteers and members of the young athletes’ program, which includes children with disabilities. 
Photo #2 and #4: Featured member of the young athletes’ program, Ryland and his father Craig Mill. Rylands parents enjoy the program because it has helped grow his confidence while also working on his social, cognitive, and motor skills. Ryland participated in the program with his brother and sister.Photos by SuperSource Media, LLC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Regional YMCA (SRYMCA) officially kicked off its “Imagine a Better Us” Annual Campaign on Sunday, February 23, to ensure that everyone in our community has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Every day, SRYMCA works to support those who need us most by addressing community issues, nurturing the potential of every child and teen, providing quality childcare, offering chronic disease prevention programs, and provide support to our neighbors in need. Imagine a community that eliminates financial barriers and provides a welcoming and friendly space for all to learn, grow, and thrive.

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“Throughout our region, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think”, said Andrew Bobbitt, Chief Executive Officer of the Saratoga Regional YMCA. 

“The Y allows our community to connect and engage with their friends and neighbors. In essence, you become a part of the Y family. As a charity, we’re dedicated to continuing to bring our community together, addressing their most pressing needs, and ensuring everyone has access to our programs and services,” Bobbitt continued. 

This year, SRYMCA hopes to raise $400,000. The Annual Campaign provides life-changing experiences and makes our whole community stronger through YMCA childcare, summer camp, aquatics, sports, wellness and many other vital programs and services, assuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds.

Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for the YMCA to award $650,000 in financial assistance; this was over a $200,000 increase from the previous year. 

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s mission, please contact Allison D’Antonio, Strategy and Development Director at 518-583-9622, ext. 104 or allison.dantonio@srymca.org, or visit www.srymca.org/donate for more information.

Ballston Spa Varsity Wrestling

BALLSTON SPA — Ballston Spa placed 4th for large schools at the Varsity Wrestling Section 2 Championships on Saturday, February 15. 
Individual Results: 
CHAMPION: Nick Palso 
3rd Place: Connor Gregory
3rd Place: Darrien Insogna
4th Place: James Prastio
5th Place: Cameron Hinchcliff
6th Place: Mike Lupo
6th Place: Ralph Keeney
Nick Palso will represent Ballston Spa and Section 2 at the NY State Wrestling Championships, Friday-Saturday, February 28-29 at the Times Union Center. 

Saratoga Springs Varsity Wrestling

1st Place:Eric Griskowitz 
3rd Place: Lucius Anderson
4th Place: Jacob Pratt
4th Place: Griffin Biviano
5th Place: Kyle Griskowitz
6th Place: Pat Spatafora

Blue Streaks Swimming and Diving Championships

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On February 15, Saratoga Springs placed third in the Section II swimming and diving championships with 117. Photo provided.

Schuylerville High School Senior Advances to Skiing State Championships

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School senior Hannah Klingebiel is heading to the State Alpine Skiing Championships, after she finished first in Slalom during the Section 2 Championship at West Mountain, with a time of 55.43. In addition, the Schuylerville girls team placed third overall, with a score of 91.5.

“I’m really excited about my finishes,” said Klingebiel. “It’s an honor to represent Schuylerville moving forward. I’m excited to go back to states and improve my finishes from last year.”

Klingebiel will compete in the state championship Feb. 24 and 25 at Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua.

SRYMCA/Saratoga Honda Youth Basketball Scores

JR DIVISION:
Cudney’s v. PBA
PBA-42: Bryant Savage -12, Stephon Lindsey-11
Cudney’s-35: Ben Van Valkenberg-12, Marcus Vary-10

Olsen Associates v. Blend Realty
Olsen’s-28:  Xavier Ruscio-14, Ethan Caldron-9
Blend Realty-9: Henry Errgu-3, Riley Baumiester-2, Eric Eckhardt-2, Robert Tucker-2

SR. DIVISION:
Spa Café v. Village Photoo   
Spa Café-61: Stephen Bebee-20, Everret Smith-18
Village Photo-52

Vahanian & Associates Financial Planning VS Pashley’s Construction
Pashley’s -45: Raymond Garcia-13, Quinn Frank-11
Vahanian’s-34: Paul Steves-15, Thomas Mauer-12

Schuylerville High School Senior Advances to Skiing State Championships
SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville High School senior Hannah Klingebiel is heading to the State Alpine Skiing Championships, after she finished first in Slalom during the Section 2 Championship at West Mountain, with a time of 55.43. In addition, the Schuylerville girls team placed third overall, with a score of 91.5.
“I’m really excited about my finishes,” said Klingebiel. “It’s an honor to represent Schuylerville moving forward. I’m excited to go back to states and improve my finishes from last year.” Klingebiel will compete in the state championship Feb. 24 and 25 at Bristol Mountain in Canandaigua.

Ballston Spa Varsity Wrestling
BALLSTON SPA —
Ballston Spa placed 4th for large schools at the Varsity Wrestling Section 2 Championships on Saturday, February 15. Individual results: CHAMPION: Nick Palso 3rd Place: Connor Gregory 3rd Place: Darrien Insogna 4th Place: James Prastio 5th Place: Cameron Hinchcliff 6th Place: Mike Lupo 6th Place: Ralph Keeney Nick Palso will represent Ballston Spa and Section 2 at the NY State Wrestling Championships, FridaySaturday, February 28-29 at the Times Union Center.

SRYMCA/Saratoga Honda Youth Basketball Scores
JR DIVISION: Cudney’s v. PBA PBA-42: Bryant Savage -12, Stephon Lindsey-11 Cudney’s-35: Ben Van Valkenberg-12, Marcus Vary-10 Olsen Associates v. Blend Realty Olsen’s-28: Xavier Ruscio-14, Ethan Caldron-9 Blend Realty-9: Henry Errgu-3, Riley Baumiester-2, Eric Eckhardt-2, Robert Tucker-2
SR. DIVISION: Spa Café v. Village Photoo Spa Café-61: Stephen Bebee-20, Everret Smith-18 Village Photo-52 Vahanian &Associates Financial Planning VS Pashley’s Construction Pashley’s -45: Raymond Garcia-13, Quinn Frank-11 Vahanian’s-34: Paul Steves-15, Thomas Mauer-12

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On February 15, Saratoga Springs placed third in the Section II swimming and diving championships with 117.

• The Spring Instructional League begins in March and runs until June.
• The K/1 youth will play on the basketball hoops that are adjusted approximately two feet lower than the normal height. All other grade levels will play on the 10 foot rims.
• Players are also allowed to “play up” or “play down” a grade level for the Spring League if the schedule works better for the family (i.e., Pre-Kindergarten children can play at the Kindergarten level and 4th Grade can play at the 3rd Grade etc.)

The participant fee is $165 which covers the insurance, gym rental, equipment, Saratoga basketball trainers, league tee shirts, and trophies for all the kids. After filling out the registration form, you have the option of paying online with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or checking/debit account as well as mailing a personal check.

If you have any questions or want to get on the email list, please send correspondence to hoopfoundation1@gmail.com 

TUESDAY SCHEDULE

Kind./1st Grade Boys & Girls | 6 p.m. 
Starts March 24 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

2nd/3rd Grade Boys | 7 p.m. 
Starts March 24 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan  

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

4th/5th Grade Boys | 6 p.m. 
Starts March 25 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

6th/7th/8th Grade Boys | 7 p.m. 
Starts March 25 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

THURSDAY SCHEDULE

2nd/3rd Grade Girls | 6 p.m. 
Starts March 26 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

4th/5th Grade Girls | 7 p.m. 
Starts March 26 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

6th/7th/8th Grade Girls | 8 p.m. 
Starts March 26 at Lake Avenue & Dorothy Nolan 

GYM LOCATIONS
• Lake Avenue | 126 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs
• Dorothy Nolan | 221 Jones Rd, Saratoga Springs