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Author: Jonathon Norcross

Ann Marie Chimiak’s Luxury Salon Empire

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ann Marie Chimiak has opened three luxury salons within the past five years. Accomplishing this, Chimiak said, largely revolved around prioritizing customers and maintaining a first-class reputation.

“Once you start that ball rolling and you hold true to it, your reputation means everything,” Chimiak said.

Chimiak’s salons have a team-oriented, commission-based approach. New hires undergo a 40-week apprentice program. Staffers are sorted into six different levels of experience and expertise. Employees are also expected to keep tabs on the latest products and trends with ongoing education initiatives.

This approach to running a salon contrasts with other owners who rent out their chairs. Chimiak compared that style of management to a restaurant owner who allows every server to be their own boss, resulting in each table having a different menu. 

“When salons went to that kind of method where the salon owner doesn’t have to deal with anything and they just rent their chairs out, you don’t know what you’re going to get,” Chimiak said.

Ensuring that customers know what they’re getting when they walk through the doors of one of Chimiak’s salons seems to be a winning strategy. 

Chimiak opened The Crown Salon in downtown Saratoga Springs five years ago. Despite a pandemic closing its doors for more than a year, The Crown survived and created a reputation that Chimiak has since utilized to open two new luxury spa bars: The Ruby at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, and The Jewel at the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga.

Both of these spa bars offer express services, such as blowouts, updos, makeup, and 30-minute facials. The Crown is more full-service, focusing on haircuts and hair coloring.

The Ruby opened earlier this year. The Jewel’s storefront officially opens in August, but the salon is already providing services to Adelphi guests and residents.

Much like a four-star hotel, Chimiak’s salons prioritize customer experience above all else. “We’re customer-driven and we’re service-driven,” Chimiak said. “It’s not about our employees, it’s about our customers.”

Saratoga Distance Runners Win “Triple Crown”

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

The Saratoga Springs varsity boys distance runners captured several state titles this year in cross-country, indoor relay, and outdoor relay events. Photo provided by Shane Zanetti.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity boys runners won the “triple crown” of distance running this year, a feat that Coach Shane Zanetti said may have never happened before in New York State history. 

In November, they won the New York State Class A Cross-Country Championship. In March, they were state champs in the 4×800 indoor relay. Then, earlier this month, they won another state title in the 4×800 outdoor relay.

Coach Zanetti said that many of his runners have been talking about winning races, capturing titles, and setting records since they were in 7th grade. When the moment finally came to realize their ambitions, they were ready.

“A lot of these guys have been at it together for many years,” Zanetti said. “I think they build a lot of trust in each other and a lot of accountability towards each other.”

“When we’re going for these team championships, you know that everybody takes it seriously and it’s kind of just like pushing each other to see how far we can take it,” said Charlie Dybala, one of the outdoor 4×800 state champions.

“Being on a team like this,” said cross-country champ Hudson Shaw, “gives you the skills that you’re going to need after high school because you know how to persevere through a lot of hard work that I think is unique to distance running in particular.”

The long road to the “triple crown” began at the cross-country state championships in November, which the Saratoga crew won in a sixth-man tiebreaker. The first runner was only 25 seconds apart from the sixth, reinforcing Zanetti’s belief that his teams are filled with players who are near-equals in both talent and contribution. 

“I was the third runner that day and I just thought it was really cool as a team to run in such a tight pack,” said Darren Pasek. “That day, we all were as close as we were the whole year and that’s how we won. It was all about teamwork.”

The second leg of the “triple crown” was the indoor state championships in March, where Saratoga’s near-equal relay team had no apparent weak spots.

“We could’ve alternated or changed our order completely around and it would’ve come out to really the same result,” Zanetti said.

That strategy also worked for the outdoor relay team earlier this month when they secured the third leg of their “triple crown.”

“We had a bunch of guys who could be interchangeable that took whatever spot they were in really seriously on that given day,” Zanetti said.

When Saratoga Springs High School held its commencement ceremony on Wednesday morning, five Saratoga runners bid farewell to their teammates. Despite this loss of talent, sights are still set high for next year. On the distance running crew’s to-do list: repeating all of their state title victories, and making it to nationals. 

“We definitely are coming back with a vengeance,” said Darren Pasek. 

Cross-Country State Champions

Thomas Isenovski

Owen Blaisdell

Darren Pasek

Luke Dacey

Cooper Brandriss

Jacob Bernd

Hudson Shaw

Indoor Track 4×800 State Champions 

Jacob Bernd

Luke Dacey

Owen Blaisdell

Thomas Isenovski

Outdoor Track 4×800 State Champions

Jacob Bernd

Luke Dacey

Owen Blaisdell

Charlie Dybala

Saratoga Rowers Compete in Youth National Championships

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Rower Christian Penny poses with his dad Chris after winning a silver medal at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida this month. Photo provided by Chris Penny.

Homeschooler Wins Silver Medal

SARASOTA, FLORIDA — Despite not having the advantages of a public school athletic program, Mohawk Homeschool Rowing Association’s Christian Penny captured a silver medal in the Men’s U17 1x at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Florida earlier this month.

Christian, who lives in Saratoga Springs, was coached by his father Chris Penny at the event.

“Based on his times,” Chris said, “we were pretty confident or hopeful that he would make it to the grand finals.”

In the finals, Christian finished with a time of 07:38.46, about 7 seconds behind first.

Chris, who is also board president of the Mohawk Homeschool Rowing Association, said it’s important for homeschoolers to “have an athletic outlet that isn’t just recreation, where you can compete at a pretty high level.”

The association doesn’t have the funding or resources of public school rowing teams, and thus subsists on dues and private fundraising efforts. 

“Homeschoolers are sort of a different breed,” Chris said. “Our resources are relatively limited.” 

 

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But none of that has stopped Christian from becoming a successful rower. He took up the sport in fifth grade and hopes to continue through college. He placed first in the Men’s U17 Single event at the New York State Rowing Championships, which allowed him to qualify for the Youth National Championships in Florida.

Girls and Boys Teams Successful

The Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA) also competed at nationals, with six teams qualifying for the event in Florida.

“After having watched the group qualify in person at the State Championships, I can attest that this group was on a clear mission to not only achieve top results with the most senior boats, but qualify and contend with a strong deep program,” SRA’s Co-Executive Director Eric Catalano told Saratoga TODAY.

The U16 girls team finished 9th in the country in the eights division.

Team members included Emilia Acquavella (coxswain), Sophie Sampanthar (seat 8/stroke), Caroline Jackson (seat 7), Isabella “Pisa” Bonitatibus (seat 6), Meghan Kempf (seat 5), Sabrina Maglienti (seat 4), Rylie Sheldon (seat 3) Katie Oke (seat 2), and Catherine Fedoroff (seat 1/bow).

The team is coached by Ronnie Cantrell, who recently accepted an offer to become the men’s freshman rowing coach at the University of Virginia. 

Other SRA achievements included top 10 finishes with the senior boys eight and the senior girls eight.   

“We, the greater community, are so proud of the work and effort the youth rowers put into this sport, and were thrilled to see those efforts rewarded with strong performances at the national level,” Catalano said.

Skidmore Softball Team Adds Four New Players

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College softball program has announced four new players who will join the Thoroughbreds this fall as part of the class of 2028.

The newcomers include Cayla Schubmehl, a left-handed pitcher from Catholic Central High School in Troy; Shayne Cleeve, a right-hander from Newark Academy in New Jersey; Isabel Moreno, an outfielder from Wachusett Regional High School in Massachusetts; and Delaney Swain, a middle infielder from the Pingry School in New Jersey.

The Skidmore softball team is looking to rebound from a tough season in which they finished 9-27 overall and 3-11 in their conference.

Outgoing Saratoga School Board Members Honored

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education.

John Ellis and Amanda Ellithorpe were recognized by the Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education for their years of service. Photos via the district website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At the final regular business meeting of the school year on June 20, two outgoing Saratoga Springs City School District Board of Education members were honored by their colleagues. 

Amanda Ellithorpe, who had been with the board for three years, and John Ellis, who served for nine years, both received special recognition by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton and Board President Tony Krackeler.

To commemorate their tenures, Ellithorpe and Ellis will have their names engraved on bricks outside the main entrance to the high school. They also received gifts and cards from the board. 

“You’ve brought so much wise perspective and understanding of employees,” fellow board member Dr. John Brueggemann told Ellis. “We’re going to lose a lot of institutional memory and a lot of distinctive perspective when you go.”

“I always appreciated how both of you…you are who you are. There’s no veneer. I appreciate how real you are,” said board member Connie Woytowich.

Two new members will join the board for the upcoming school year: Deb Amory, a professor at Empire State University, and Matt Kopans, a development officer for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York. Krackeler said that Amory and Kopans would begin their orientation on June 21. Woytowich will also return to the board after winning reelection in May.

Bon Voyage: Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa Celebrate 2024 Graduates

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa High Schools celebrated their 2024 commencement ceremonies this week at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Photos via the SPAC live stream.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs and Ballston Spa High Schools both celebrated their Class of 2024 commencement ceremonies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) this week, with the Scotties gracing the SPAC grounds on Tuesday afternoon and the Blue Streaks following suit on Wednesday morning.

Speakers at both events praised graduates for persevering through the COVID-19 pandemic and for giving back to the community. 

Ballston Spa

The Ballston Spa commencement ceremony opened with the high school ensemble performing an orchestral rendition of the Coldplay song “Clocks,” perhaps a nod to the young adults reflecting on the passage of time.

In a speech, Student Government President Catherine Miller praised her class for its open-mindedness. “The ability to question and appreciate the opinions and ideas of others made for a strong and respectful learning community,” Miller said.

“The changes coming will not be easy,” Miller added. “There will be days when you want to give up, but you won’t.”

 

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Valedictorian Brooke Cearley echoed Miller’s comments about challenging but exciting times ahead for her classmates. “It’s time to be uncomfortable and face change and walk into the unexpected,” Cearley said. 

After all the diplomas were handed out to the Ballston Spa graduates, air horns and golden confetti filled the air in celebration. 

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs showcased its talented musicians and singers as attendees filled the SPAC amphitheater on Wednesday morning. 448 students gathered for the 151st high school commencement ceremony.

Speakers emphasized the Class of 2024’s commitment to bettering their community. The graduating class donated more than 180 pints of blood to the Red Cross; and on Seniors Giveback Day, more than 600 hours of time was donated to local nonprofits. 

“Your school spirit and care for each other are what define you as a group of students,” said High School Principal Michelle Tsao.

Before diplomas were handed out, some students received special recognition. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton honored the six graduates who will go on to serve in the armed forces. Principal Tsao also awarded the 113th annual Yaddo Medal, which she called “the most prestigious award given by our school district,” to students Carlie Friedman and Adam Brown.

A moment of silence was observed for Anthony Stefanacci, a student who tragically passed away last month. Anthony’s tearful parents went up on stage to receive his diploma, as well as a medal honoring his civic engagement. 

After being presented with their diplomas, the graduating class tossed their caps into the air in celebration of their achievements. 

Albany-Saratoga Speedway Housing Development Plan Meets Resistance

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

The “conceptual plan” for the proposed, mixed-use Camber Ridge development in Malta, which would replace the Albany-Saratoga Speedway. Image via the development’s website.

MALTA — A plan to build retail stores and hundreds of residential units on the current site of the Albany-Saratoga Speedway was met with resistance at a Malta Town Board meeting earlier this month.

During the June 3 meeting, representatives from Five Corners Development and The NRP Group delivered a lengthy presentation about their proposed mixed-use Camber Ridge development during the public comment period, which is usually reserved for town residents to make three-minute statements. The NRP Group’s Jonathan Gertman said he hoped the presentation would “shock and delight” the town.

After the presentation went on for about 20 minutes, Councilperson Barbara Conner interrupted to say that she had no idea the presentation was going to happen and that discussion of the Camber Ridge development wasn’t on the agenda. “I don’t know anything about this and I feel a little blindsided,” Conner said. “I’m looking at some of our friends and neighbors out there who have things to say to us and I don’t think this is the right time, and I would’ve appreciated knowing we were going to have this kind of presentation.”

A meeting attendee blasted the developers’ presentation, calling it “totally inappropriate” and “absolutely ridiculous.” The presentation had interrupted many Malta residents who wanted to speak about a proposed State Police barracks in the town’s Luther Forest neighborhood.

The nearly 50-acre Camber Ridge development is set to include “some element of senior housing, some element of multifamily housing across mixed incomes, as well as the potential for affordable home ownership,” according to the June 3 presentation.

 

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A conceptual plan showed buildings that would house a brewery, commercial space, apartments, townhomes, green space, and a courtyard/amenity area. 

“This multiphase mixed-use project aims to transform the recreational site into a vibrant community consisting of housing, retail, community amenities, and walking trails,” said a statement on the Camber Ridge website.

The development would replace the Albany-Saratoga Speedway, where racing may no longer occur after the 2025 season. The developers said they planned to keep the track’s legacy alive to “appease race fan enthusiasts.” 

It will be some time before the project can be fully approved by the town. The developers are making a formal proposal this summer and hope to reach the site plan approval process by the end of next year.

Saratoga Summer Meet TV Coverage Begins July 20

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Racecourse will return to the national stage this summer thanks to FOX’s “Saratoga Saturday” TV coverage. Starting Saturday, July 20, FOX will broadcast some of this season’s biggest races, including the Travers Stakes and the Whitney Stakes.

Below is the schedule for this year’s “Saratoga Saturday” program on FOX.

Saturday, July 20

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Coaching Club American Oaks Stakes

Saturday, July 27

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Jim Dandy Stakes

Saturday, August 3

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Whitney Stakes

Saturday, August 10

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Fourstardave Handicap

Saturday, August 17

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Alabama Stakes

Saturday, August 24

3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Travers Stakes

Glens Falls Dragons Collegiate Ballplayers Shine

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

Glens Falls Dragons logo via the team’s website.

GLENS FALLS — The Glens Falls Dragons, a collegiate baseball team with a number of players from Saratoga County, has had a rough start to the 2024 season. As of June 19, their record stood at 3-10-1. Despite this, a number of players have stood out for their individual performances.

Justin Gouveia, a sophomore outfielder, is hitting .313 with 4 doubles and a triple in 11 games. Cody Meier, also a sophomore, is batting .300 with 5 stolen bases. 

On the mound, southpaw starter Alfonso Lombardi has a 2.57 ERA across 14 innings, tallying 11 strikeouts and only 2 walks. Senior Orlando Leon has also impressed, with a 3.17 ERA in 11.1 innings.

Where the Dragons really seem to shine is on defense, where they have two players who rank within the top six league leaders in fielding percentage. Caden Bernardo, from Glenmont, New York, and Zowen Collins, from Cobleskill, both have a 1.000 fielding percentage on the year. Bernardo also has 46 putouts in 45 innings of play.

Elsewhere across the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), East Greenbush native Zach Eldred has been doing his best Shohei Ohtani impression, hitting .367 and maintaining a 1.84 ERA in 3 starts. Reliever Jesse Kuzmich, from Greenwich, has a perfect 0.00 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings. And Troy’s Jacob Lapham has a 1.63 ERA and 16 K’s in 11 innings.

Another PGCBL team, the Amsterdam Mohawks, who were league champions in both 2023 and 2022, also feature a number players from the Saratoga region, including Zach Eldred (East Greenbush), Parker Aikens (Niskayuna), Manny Santos (Amsterdam), James Redick (Clifton Park), Mason Veronezi (Burnt Hills), and Ben Huckans (Amsterdam).

The Mohawks and Dragons will face off on Friday, June 21 at the East Field in Glens Falls at 7 p.m., and again on Saturday, June 29 at the Rao Family Stadium in Amsterdam at 6:35 p.m.

Golf Classic Raising Money to Help Kids With Cancer

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.

The Catie Hoch Foundation’s Teeing Off On Cancer Golf Classic will take place at the McGregor Links Country Club. Photos via the foundation’s website.

WILTON — When nine-year-old Catie Hoch was alive, she wanted other kids battling cancer to find ways to have fun. Shortly before she passed away, she made a list of her favorite “fun” places that other kids could go to. It was this list that led to the creation of the Catie Hoch Foundation, which for decades has been raising money for kids with cancer, in part via events like the upcoming Teeing Off On Cancer Golf Classic. 

“It’s a great day,” said Gina Peca, Catie’s mom and a co-founder of the foundation. “It’s just so much fun, and you can see the golfers’ commitment to our cause.”     

Nearly 200 people attended last year’s event, which typically raises between $85,000 and $100,000 annually. The funds are sent to families with children being treated for cancer, in the form of cash or gift cards for basic necessities such as gas, groceries, and shopping.

“Our golfers know that they’re truly making a difference,” Peca said. “This money isn’t going to go into the atmosphere. It’s directly helping the kids and their families.”

In keeping with Catie’s desire to have fun, the tournament includes prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, and best foursome. There’s also a putting contest and a golf ball launcher.

The action all takes place at the McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton, which shuts down the entire course for the event. A morning flight begins at 7:30 a.m. and an afternoon flight starts at 1 p.m.

Launched more than two decades ago, the Catie Hoch Foundation has attracted nationwide attention, thanks in part to a 2003 “Time” magazine cover story about the Harry Potter book series, and its author J.K. Rowling.

“A friend of mine somehow got in touch with [Rowling] and she and Catie emailed back and forth,” Peca said. When Rowling heard that Catie had about two weeks left to live, she called and read to her from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” which at the time hadn’t yet been published. A year later, Peca said, Rowling donated $100,000 to the foundation. 

“It was just amazing,” Peca said. “This [foundation] is a way to keep Catie’s memory alive and to really make a difference for these poor families. Having been there, we know what they’re facing.”

The Teeing Off On Cancer Golf Classic will take place at the McGregor Links Country Club in Wilton on Saturday, September 7. For more information or to register, visit www.teeingoffoncancer.org. Those not interested in playing golf can also contribute by being a sponsor, sending a gift, or donating funds.