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The Egg celebrates the Pete Seeger Centennial with a concert on Thursday, May 23 at 7 PM and a series of related events in various Capital Region cultural centers May 3- 5, as part of its “New York Living Legacy” series.

Additional events will include multiple venues in Saratoga Springs, including Caffe Lena, and the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

Seeger’s career as a musician was highlighted by popular success with the group The Weavers and songs such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “If I Had a Hammer”; Grammy Awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award, a National Medal of Arts, induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.

Seeger used his music to further social, humanitarian and environmental causes – most notably in the founding of the Clearwater in an effort to save the Hudson River, and one of his closest musical associates Arlo Guthrie will be joined by artists including Amythyst Kiah, Cary Morin, Dan Zanes & Claudia Eliaza,  Dar Williams, David Gonzalez, Guy Davis,  Richie Stearns & Rosie Newton, Taina Asili,  Tony Trischka, Toshi Reagon and Bill & Livia Vanaver - that are keeping his message alive for an evening of music, dance and poetry inspired by Pete Seeger in celebration of his centennial.

Net proceeds from the concert will benefit Clearwater, Caffe Lena and WAMC Public Radio.

Tickets are $40, $35 and $25 and currently available to members of The Egg at The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza and by telephone – 518-473-1845.

In advance of the concert, The Egg will present the program “Wasn’t That a Time” featuring music writer Jesse Jarnow in a number of venues on May 3, 4 and 5. Mr. Jarnow will explore the life of Pete Seeger, focusing on the research done for his 2018 book “Wasn’t That a Time: The Weavers, the Blacklist, and the Battle for the American Soul.”  Live music will be performed by banjoist Richie Stearns - who performed with or for Seeger on numerous occasions. The multi-media program will be enhanced by photo projections as well as recorded music by Pete Seeger and the Weavers.

Additional events – these are free and open to the public: 

FRIDAY, MAY 3 - Noon: Caffe Lena, 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs; 7 PM: Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls.

SATURDAY, MAY 4: 11 AM: Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave, Guilderland; 1 PM: Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar; 3:30 PM: Clifton Park – Half Moon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park; 7 PM: Sanctuary for Independent Media,  3361 6th Avenue, Troy. 

SUNDAY, MAY 5: 12:30 PM: Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs; 3 PM: Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Rd, Voorheesville.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Primaries will take place June 25, and the General Election on Nov. 5. All five City Council seats and both city Supervisor seats are up for election this year. 

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee endorsed all four Democratic incumbents running for re-election: Meg Kelly, Mayor; Michele Madigan, Finance Commissioner; John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts; and Tara Gaston, County Supervisor.

The SSDC also voted to endorse one of its members, Dillon Moran, for Commissioner of Public Works. “Dillon’s engineering education, business background and close study of the City’s infrastructure and operations all form a solid basis for our support,” SSDC Chair Courtney DeLeonardis said, in a statement.

For Public Safety Commissioner, where the Democratic incumbent is not seeking re-election, the Committee decided not to endorse at this time.

“We heard from two strong, well-qualified candidates – Eileen Finneran and Kendall Hicks -- who each impressed Committee members,” DeLeonardis said. “Both individuals have a lot to offer the City. I believe Committee members, along with other supporters, will help both candidates qualify for the primary election in June, when voters will decide who runs for Public Safety Commissioner on the Democratic line in the fall.”

The Saratoga Springs City Republican Committee endorsed four candidates at their meeting Feb. 26.

Anthony “Skip” Scirocco received the committee’s endorsement for Commissioner of Public Works; Robin Dalton received the committee’s endorsement for Commissioner of Public Safety and Matthew Veitch and Stephen Mittler, each received the committee’s endorsement for County Board of Supervisor. 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Republicans for another term,” said Matt Veitch, a current member of the County Board of Supervisors. “I look forward to campaigning on my record of public service and representing the residents of our city at the county level.  Keeping the County on a continued path of low taxes, efficient government, and maintaining our great quality of life are my priorities for the upcoming year."

SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee announced its

candidate endorsements for city office in 2019.

The SSDC endorsed all four Democratic incumbents running for re-election: Meg Kelly, Mayor; Michele Madigan, Finance Commissioner; John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts; and Tara Gaston, County Supervisor.

The SSDC also voted to endorse one of its members, Dillon Moran, for Commissioner of Public Works. “Dillon’s engineering education, business background and close study of the City’s infrastructure and operations all form a solid basis for our support,” SSDC Chair Courtney DeLeonardis said, in a statement.

For Public Safety Commissioner, where the Democratic incumbent is not seeking re-election, the Committee decided not to endorse at this time.

“We heard from two strong, well-qualified candidates – Eileen Finneran and Kendall Hicks -- who each impressed Committee members,” DeLeonardis said. “Both individuals have a lot to offer the City. I believe Committee members, along with other supporters, will help both candidates qualify for the primary election in June, when voters will decide who runs for Public Safety Commissioner on the Democratic line in the fall.”

City Republicans will meet Tuesday and subsequently announce their endorsements for 2019,  GOP chair Matt Hogan said Monday.

Primaries will take place June 25, and the General Election on Nov. 5. All five City Council seats and both city Supervisor seats are up for election this year. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – An international resort company with a stated mission to “dream big” is eyeing the Spa City as a place to potentially develop its latest luxury hotel.   

Hoshino Resorts, which operates 37 facilities both in and outside Japan, operates four distinct brands: luxury flagships, hot spring resorts, resort hotels, and city tourism hotels, featuring venues which vary from countrified mountainside resorts to the heart of big-city Tokyo. The company entered into a Memorandum of Agreement of Sale in September as purchaser regarding two parcels of land totaling nearly 87 acres, located just south of Saratoga Spa State Park. A “deed agreement” was filed with the Saratoga County Clerk’s Office on Oct. 3.    

According to the company’s literature, Hoshino Resorts provides “a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi Japanese-style hospitality.”

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a traditional Japanese inn in 1914. Today, the hotel management company is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino.

The company was formerly known as Hoshino Onsen Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Hoshino Resorts Inc. in 1995, and is based in Kitasaku, Japan, according to Bloomberg.com. An Albany-based attorney representing Hoshino Resorts did not return a phone message requesting information for this story. 

The memorandum of agreement notes two specific parcels: 6.88 acres at Route 9 and Columbia Avenue, and 79.34 acres at 38 Columbia Avenue. The lands are located in a mostly wooded area, just south of the Saratoga Spa State Park and East West Road, just off Route 9. According to the document, the closing and transfer of title is slated to potentially take place within 30 days of the end of the due diligence period, specified as Nov. 1, 2020. Hoshino has the exclusive right to purchase the properties under the agreement. 

Specific plans for the type of development under consideration for development in Saratoga Springs are not known.

Bradley Birge, the city’s administrator of planning and economic development, said formal applications that would signal the potential start of a project – such as a building permit - have yet to be filed with any of the city’s Land Use boards. Salomone and Company – a limited liability company with offices in New York City, is listed as the “seller” of the properties, according to the memorandum of agreement of sale. 

Steven Salomone, whose grandfather Saverio Salomone purchased the property in the 1940s, was unable to confirm or deny anything relative to a potential transaction. He does remember visiting the property as a young man.    

“When I was kid, we would go up there every summer,” recalled Steven Salomone, who is 64 years old. “I remember the State Park being next door. That was exciting to us. There is a small pond or lake on the property towards the back and when it would freeze, Saverio would go out and chop the ice and sell it.  He was apparently running a pretty good business doing that,” Salomone says, with a laugh. “Back in the day people were still using ice boxes up there. I think they used to call it the Ice Lake.”   

In 1949, Saverio was granted Zoning Board approval to erect six cabins off Columbia Ave., according to city records.

“Buying land in Saratoga to my grandfather, it was like buying farmland,” Salomone says. “You know he was an Italian immigrant and owning land was something that was important; having land in the county was important to them. My grandfather and grandmother also put a small hotel up – not a hotel by today’s standards, but they had rooms they would rent out. It was called the Salomone Motel and when the racetrack was busy and people were looking to rent anything that was possible, we used to have people stay in the rooms.” 

As the grandparents got older, the property was used less frequently. The bungalows eventually came down and a main house, which had been rented out, has been dormant for the past handful of years, Salomone says.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Caffe Lena powers up in the springtime with a series of major upcoming shows. 

Steve Katz, who studied guitar as a teen with Dave Van Ronk and Reverend Gary Davis, was an original member of The Blues Project (their last major gig: the Monterey Pop Festival), a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, and produced the mid-70’s Lou Reed albums “Rock & Roll Animal,” and “Sally Can’t Dance, will be in the house April 18 for the Rochmon treatment.

Rochmon aka Chuck Vosganian presents a sound & vision analysis of a different artist every month. The April 18 date marks the first live listening party, and where the event will be accompanied by Steve Katz himself. General admission tix: $25.

Robyn Hitchcock, famously of The Soft Boys and a pretty prominent solo career, brings his folky, wry British nihilist psychedelium to the café April 14. General admission tix: $32.

Eric Andersen - accompanied by the fab Scarlet Rivera on violin and Cheryl Prashker on percussion, returns to Lena’s April 7. General admission tix: $35.

Singer-songwriter Sawyer Fredericks performs a three-night stand, Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26. General admission tix: $45. Meet & Greet: $65.   

In early May, Caffe Lena will also play a role in a three-day event in the Capital Region celebrating Pete Seeger. 

Other Voices in Other Rooms: Laurie Anderson is slated to be in the Spa City in April, and we’re hearing Chuck Mangione will be in the city in June.

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga High School’s varsity gymnast Sophia Damiano took home 1st place her first time competing in all four events since recovering from a sprained ankle.

In the middle of the Blue Streaks’ exciting season, Damiano took a tumble, off the mat, which kept her from competing in all four events for three weeks.

As she was hurrying down the end of the driveway to make it to school on time, she slipped on the ice coming down on her ankle.

“I heard it pop. I realized (her ankle was sprained) right then and there,” said Damiano. “It was instant pain.”

Upon having x-rays to ensure that it was nothing more than a sprain, the doctors pointed out that she had broken her ankle about a month prior. Damiano had persevered through that undetected ankle break but was now limited in competing.

The all-around contains all four of the major girls’ gymnastics events; vault, bars, beam and Damiano’s personal favorite, floor. Her vault routine was the final routine to get back on Damiano’s schedule, as the vault prioritized the most ankle stability. 

“I really hate falling, but it teaches me to get back up,” said Damiano.

Get back up she did, with the guidance of Coach Deb Smarrow, Damiano religiously worked to get back up to speed in preparation for her competitions. She iced her ankle eight times a day, completed exercise such as toe raises and “ABCS.” After a week she began icing and heating and prepping her ankle for competition with compression braces and tape.

“She (Smarrow) was just very helpful with getting me through it. I really appreciated it – she wanted it (the ankle) to heal just as quick as I wanted it to.”

Damiano not only wanted to get back to the mat for herself, but for her teammates.

“Everyone on my team especially inspires me,” said Damiano. “It’s a team sport at the high school. So, they inspire me to do my best to help the team. “

Winning the gold medal for the team with her score of 36.475 was not the only highlight of the night. Damiano returned without hindrance to the sport that has her whole heart. The love for the sport and the joy it brings is always a reward for Damiano.

“I love being able to show off what I can do because gymnastics is a very hard sport,” said Damiano. “I love just being able to go out there, especially on floor and just show what I can do and really put my personality into it.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 32nd annual Flurry Festival will take place Feb. 15 -17. 

The Flurry is internationally known as a destination for dancers and music lovers of all ages, featuring more than 300 performers, five venues, and more than 250 events.

Festival headquarters are located at the Saratoga Springs City Center and Saratoga Hilton Hotel, with more performances and workshops scheduled at Parting Glass Pub, Putnam Den, and Excelsior Springs. 

The 2019 schedule includes a diverse lineup of programs for families with young children, teens, as well as international music, singing, jamming, storytelling and dance events for all ages. 

Young children and their families can take part in fun family dances, square dancing, storytelling, movement games, sing-a-longs, and much more. Teens will have their very own youth-only contra dance, youth-only Irish set dance, techno contra dances, teen level sing-a-longs and story tellings, a teen talent showcase, teen jam session, world dance for teens, body percussion workshops, unlimited contra dancing, swing dancing, and international experiences with music, song, and dance.

Along with the traditional weekend-filled non-stop contra and swing, programming includes dance styles such as French, Balkan, African, Indian, Irish, Scottish, English, and more. Many styles have instruction available for beginners on up and there is no need to bring a partner.

Music instruction and jamming will take place all weekend long, including workshops for Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Ukulele, Percussion, and tune workshops and jamming for all instruments.  Instrument check is available on site all weekend long for those bringing instruments.  Participatory singing and storytelling are woven through the weekend. 

To see a full schedule of events and learn more about the festival, and tickets, go to: www.flurryfestival.org. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Peter Martin announced today that he will not seek re-election for a new term starting in 2020.

“I would like to pursue opportunities outside of my role as Commissioner of Public Safety," said Martin, in a statement. "During this past year, I have treated the time and energy commitment of this position as a full time job. I believe that it would not be fair to the people of Saratoga Springs to treat it as anything less. Therefore, I have made the decision not to seek re-election as Commissioner of Public Safety for a new term commencing in January 2020.

“I will forever be grateful to the people of Saratoga Springs and to our Public Safety Department staff. I have enjoyed working with the dedicated and talented employees at city hall. I do not make this decision lightly. It comes after several weeks of difficult and personal reflection. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City as your Commissioner of Public Safety," Martin said. 

“Over the past year, we have accomplished much – and there remains a great deal more yet to do. As I said, this job is a full time position, and I intend to remain a full time Commissioner for the rest of this year. I believe that working in cooperation with other members of the City Council, we can accomplish some great things over the remainder of this year." 

In November, elections will be held for all five City Council member seats, including mayor.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Chowderfest returns for its 21st year on Saturday, Feb. 2, when event-goers may sample more than 90 different chowders at $1 a pop.  The event takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features 3-ounce chowder samples at participating establishments and is anticipated to draw more than 40,000 attendees, says Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. 

The 90 or so establishments offering up their own brand of chowder is about three times the number of businesses involved during the festival’s earlier days, in 2005. 

What has remained a constant is the cost of a sample – one dollar – and the special commemorative Chowderfest T-shirt, whose logo varies year-to-year and has been designed, since the festival’s inception in 2000, by local artist Hud Armstrong.    

Armstrong started drawing at the age of four during the era of radio, because he wanted to see what the things he heard about looked like. Since that time, Armstrong has created some significant works across the city – from the High Rock mural inside City Hall to a near 20-feet-long piece that covers the inside lobby of the Mabee Building and took two years to complete, which depicts more than 200 local Saratoga people done up in a 19th century style. 

This year’s Chowderfest T-shirt imagines a statuesque jockey riding atop a thoroughbred next to a snowman-making chipmunk. A pair of kids hold aloft bowls of chowder as the air route of a low-flying bird takes in the essence of its fragrance. Red letters across a snow white banner cheerfully reads: Welcome to Saratoga Springs. 

Chowderfest event-goers can pick up a ballot from any participating restaurant and vote for their favorite chowder samples. Valid ballots can be turned in at the Saratoga Springs City Center, or Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center – where winners will be announced at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the event. 

Free shuttles to downtown Saratoga Springs will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wilton Mall park & ride near Dick’s Sporting Goods and the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Stay warm during the event with an official Chowderfest beanie ($7) and long-sleeve shirt ($10 or $12 for 2XL), which will be sold at the City Center and Visitor Center.