What I like most about fishing this time of the year is that no matter what your level of experience, everyone is a great fisherman.

With water temperatures approaching 70 degrees, the fish swimming in our local lakes and ponds are spending a lot of time in shallow water looking for food or good places to lay the eggs of the next generation. This means that the fish are easy to entice with a baited hook or your favorite lure. Finesse and subtle presentation are not required at this time, you can “chuck and wind” to your heart’s content.

Spinnerbaits, rattle baits, crank baits, swim baits and jerk baits are about as un-subtle as lures get and the fish will eagerly respond to the commotion they make. Concentrate your efforts in shallow water less than 10-feet deep where the weeds will be thick later in the summer. You should find these areas teeming with male Bass clearing nests for the big females to lay eggs in. They will be aggressively defending their turf and anything that passes near them will draw a vicious strike.

Fishermen I’ve talked to report catching 30 or more bass in just a few hours as well as numerous Pickerel and the occasional Pike and Rock Bass. Remember to release all the Bass you catch. Currently, Bass season is Catch and Release only and the rules state that you may fish for them using artificial baits only. While you can’t prevent them from taking live bait and nightcrawlers, you are not supposed to target them with those baits. Handle the Bass you catch gently and release them as quickly as you can so they can get back to the serious business of defending their nest from raids by hungry Bluegills.

Many anglers I know will move quietly through the shallows just to see the fish and note their location for later in the season when the tournaments begin. Bass season will open June 20 statewide but if you can’t wait that long, head up to Lake Champlain where the season opens on June 13. In the meantime, enjoy the catch and release season or try your luck fishing for some of the other species of fish swimming in our local waters.

Heading to the Launch

Memorial Day reminded us of the sacrifices made in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. It was also the symbolic start of the summer season for many boaters. I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of boaters headed to their favorite launches eager for a fun filled day on the water. If you are one of those headed out for the first time this season, take a little time before you hitch up your boat and check to make sure you are road and water ready.

Some of what you are about to read will seem ridiculously obvious, especially if you are an experienced boater, but it may save you from a disappointing and stressful experience. First, check to make sure your boat and trailer registrations are valid and the stickers properly affixed in the appropriate places. Expirations dates for multiple year boat registrations can be overlooked and trailer registrations renewed last winter while your boat was in storage may have been put away for safe keeping along with the sticker that belongs on the license plate. I’ve been guilty of the latter oversight and earned an official document as a result.

Next, thoroughly inspect your trailer’s tires for roadworthiness and lube the wheel bearings. Replace the bearings if you can’t recall the last time you did. Don’t forget to make sure the spare tire is ready for service and you have the appropriate jack to put said tire to use should you need it. Also check the hitch coupler to make sure it locks securely to the ball on your trailer hitch and that the safety chains are present and in good condition. USE THE CORRECT SIZE BALL. I’ve seen too many boaters pulled over on the shoulder of the road with flats, missing wheels or separated from their trailers because they overlooked these things.

Now check the required safety equipment you need to have in your boat. Personal floatation devices of the correct size need to be present and free of cuts and other damage. Flares have an expiration date. Make sure they have not expired. Depending on the vessel you captain, you will also need to have the right combination of horns, whistles, lights, flags, throwable PFDs, anchors, ropes, paddles, fire extinguishers, etc. Don’t get an easily avoided ticket. Your starting and trolling motor batteries should be fully charged or replaced if more than 3 years old. All of these things sound obvious but if you spend a day at the boat launch, you will see they are often overlooked. One more thing, DON’T FORGET THE PLUG.

Launch Etiquette

A busy boat launch can be an intimidating place to be. I’ve competed in fishing tournaments that fielded more than 100 boats out of one launch and have seen firsthand the chaos that results from poor manners.

Don’t be a ramp hog.

When you arrive at the launch site, pull your rig out of the way and prep your boat before taking your place in line. Many launches will allow multiple boaters to wet their boats at once. If you need to use a particular side of the launch, allow others in line to pass ahead while you wait for the lane you need to clear. Patience is often in short supply at the ramp.  Inexperienced or first-time launchers can make a hash out of things on a busy weekend. If you fall into that category, try to gain experience during slower weekdays and ask for help. Backing and launching a boat is not a difficult thing to master but you need to start somewhere and a busy Saturday at the lake is not the best place learn.

The worst battles I’ve seen at the launch are those that occur when one spouse tries to direct the other spouse in the backing of the trailer down the ramp. Miscommunication, misunderstanding and inexperience result in mistakes and embarrassment that strain marital ties.

Keep Your Boat Clean

Invasive species, both plant and animal, are often transported from one body of water to another by boaters who neglect to check their boats and trailers for hitch hikers. New York is taking a tough stance against invasive species and those who transport them. You may have encountered lake stewards at various launches locally and in the Adirondacks. Their job is to educate boaters about the damage these invasives can wreck upon the ecosystems they enter and how boaters can help stem the invasion.

The Department of Environmental Conservation will deploy lake stewards in 14 new locations and add 11 more boat wash stations in the Adirondacks. Many organisms can survive in as little as a drop of water and plants can remain viable for extended periods of time as long as they remain damp.

Draining, disinfecting and drying live wells and bilges is strongly recommended. Also remove any visible plant material and attached animals from your boat and trailer. Failure to do so may result in your being turned away at the launch or being issued a ticket. We all need to be responsible for the environment and while we may not be able to halt the movement of all unwanted organisms from place to place, we can minimize our contribution to the problem. 

Tim Blodgett, owner of

Saratoga Tackle & Archery, can

be reached at (518) 584-3952.

His store is located on Route 9P,

Saratoga Lake next to the state

boat launch. For further information,

visit Saratogatackle.com or

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find Saratoga Tackle on Facebook.

MAJORS

 

Crest Care	2
I Love NY Pizza	4

 

Bryan Camaj had 15 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings and no walks for I Love NY Pizza. 

  

Lions	1
Gateway Dermatology	13

 

Jax Todorovic and Aidan Byrnes pitched 5 innings combining for 14 strikeouts for Gateway Dermatology.  Stephen Verral, Aaron Dressel, Zach Colangelo, Paul Steves and Dean Dennison all had multiple hits.

 

PBA	9
Crest Care	6

 

Tobias Selkis struck out all 11 batters in 4 2/3 innings for PBA.  Thomas Przedwicki got the final four outs, and Aiden Cook and Cooper Harris each had a key hit.Owen Tetreault hit a double and drove in 2 runners for Crest Care. 

 

I Love NY Pizza	2
Lions	3

 

Hunter Chandler was 2 for 3 with a homerun and 2 RBI for I Love NY Pizza. Michael Karpinski struck out two in 2 innings.  Hunter Chandler struck out 2 and allowed 6 hits. 

 

For the Lions, Charlie DiDonato was 2 for 2.  Patrick Deschane was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI.  Brendan Karadenes had 7 strikeouts and 1 walk in 3 2/3 innings.  Luke Casey pitched 2 1/3 innings with 4 strikeouts and 1 walk.

  

Gateway Dermatology	0
I Love NY Pizza	3

 

Bryan Camaj threw a complete game, striking out 17 batters and giving up no walks for I Love NY Pizza.  Chase Corbett went 2 for 2 with 3 RBI. 

 

Lions	24
PBA	2

 

For PBA, Cooper Harris was 1 for 2 and Liam Baldwin was 1 for 2 with an RBI.  Evan Thoman, David Adams, Christopher Veitch and Liam Baldwin pitched.

 

Gateway Dermatology	7
PBA	2

 

Alex Hicks had an RBI single for PBA.  Thomas Przedwiecki pitched 4 strong innings.  Liam Baldwin also pitched.

 

Lions	8
Crest Care	9

 

Flynn Hussey drove in the game winning run in the bottom of the sixth to cap an amazing comeback for Crest Care that included key hits from Nate Siewert and Owen Tetreault. 

 

PBA	1
I Love NY Pizza	12

 

For PBA, Chris Veitch made a great catch in deep centerfield.  Dylan Mulholland had a double. 

 

Michael Karpinski went 2 for 2 for I Love NY Pizza and pitched 4 innings with 6 strikeouts.  Hunter Chandler drove in three runs.

 

Crest Care	0
Gateway Dermatology	5

 

Stephen Bebee hit a triple for Crest Care and pitched 3 great innings.

 

Jax Todorovic pitched 3 innings with strikeouts for Gateway Dermatology.  Julian Hrbek made a diving catch to help secure the win. 

 

MINORS

 

Elks	14
Kelevra Krav Maga #1	3

 

For the Elks, Orion Lansing went 4 for 4 with a double and a triple.

 

Josh Delnicki on KKM went 2 for 2. 

 

Saratoga Strategic Partners	2
Carr-Hughes	9

 

Joey Barreto pitched 3 innings, giving up one run.  Holden Johnson also pitched.

 

For Saratoga Strategic Partners, Drew Stallmer, Luke Rupp and Drew Adams pitched.

 

Kelevra Krav Maga #1	10
Saratoga Strategic Partners	7

 

For KKM, Jack Ragle threw 3 innings with no hits.  Michaek Mack had 6 strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.  Jack Ragle had an RBI triple.

  

Carr Hughes	13
Saratoga Firefighters	3

 

Carr Hughes	13
Elks	4

 

Frank Hill went 1 for 2 with a walk and 3 RBI for Carr Hughes.  Matthew Salway and Patrick Kenney pitched.

 

Owen Redick went 1 for 1 with a walk and a run scored for the Elks.

 

Carr Hughes	0
Kelevra Krav Maga #1	5

 

Colin Wright pitched 1 inning giving up no earned runs for KKM.  Joey Barreto and Holden Johnson pitched as well.

 

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On Carr Hughes, Jack Ragle pitched six shutout innings.  Braden Conley and Michael Mack also pitched against a hard-hitting lineup.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – While the Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s season technically kicked off earlier this month with graduation ceremonies and some local events, it will be country group Lady Antebellum who will start the concert portion of the season on May 31.

The start to this season will also kick off a two-year celebration of SPAC’s 50^th anniversary.

“Last year was an extraordinary year for us, and this year looks to be just as extroadinary,” Marcia White, president of the SPAC board of directors, said last week. “This is the kickoff to the 50^th.”

White said there are two big new things at the venue for this season, with the first being construction of new bathrooms near the loading dock. White said it was a necessary upgrade to the shed.

“The facility, like all of us, is aging,” White added.

The other improvement, which is much more major, was that a team of people from the venue, New York State Parks and the Cornell Cooperative Extension took a hard look at the lawn and determined they were going to install an Evergreen blanket.

White said the seeds root deeper and give it a better look.

“It creates a greenhouse effect,” White said. “There is a much stronger root structure and it holds in humidity pretty well. There was a bit of ice and snow damage that we noticed after we took the cover off, but overall it looks pretty great.”

White said the winter weather forced the venue to start preparations in mid-April, which is a little earlier than normal.

The roof at the Hall of Springs also got some work done to fix the damage from the ice this year. White said some signage was fixed and added that Livenation added in two new point of sale spots in the concession area.

For the Lady Antebellum show, White said she expects a crowd of around 13,000 in attendance. June 6 is Fly 92’s Summer Jam, before Dancing With the Stars makes a stop on June 14.

On June 17, however, is the date White has had circled for a longtime. The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company brings its act to town. Lubovitch is billed as one of America’s most versatile and acclaimed choreographers. Prior to the show, he will give a pre-performance talk.

For the 38^th straight year, the Freihofers Jazz Festival will return on June 27 and 28. This year, headliners include Frankie Beverly, Cassandra Wilson, Erykah Badu, Sheila E. and Snarky Puppy.

“It’s all about the hand, that’s what we say,” White said. “People come from all over to chill, hang out, see the friends they’ve made over the years, eat great food, hear the music and enjoy the camaraderie.”

White said this is one of SPAC’s biggest events, as people have been coming for the festival since it started all those years ago. She likened it to a big reunion.

“We get a lot of people from downstate, and they’re the ones who fill the restaurants and hotels at the start of the season,” she added. “Then at the end, they make reservations for next year. We’re proud to play such a big role in the economy around here.”

She listed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s June 29 performance, the New York City Ballet’s two-week residency in conjunction with the ballet’s resident choreographer Justin Peck pre-show talk and Ballet 422’s July 13 performance as ones to circle on your calendar.

“Justin Peck sort of grew up in front of our eyes here, so we love that he’s coming back this year,” White said. “He’s one of the hottest commodities in that dance scene.”

On the Livenation side of things, some big names making their way to the venue include Train, Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa, Kid Rock, Tedeschi Trucks Band with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Slipknot, Joe Bonamassa, Nickleback, Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire, Counting Crows, the Doobie Brothers and Greg Allman and the Dave Matthews Band.

White said that there is always the possibility of other artists being scheduled, as Livenation does have holds on some other days throughout the summer.

SPAC also employs 450 people throughout the season to work the venue, and hires another 300 contractors to help with the upkeep. White said SPAC has a $2.3 million payroll, and generates more than $100 million annually for the local economy.

White added that there will be a touchscreen kiosk on the grounds and will allow people to filter through and see the history of the venue. WMHT is also working on a documentary for the 50^th anniversary.

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“This is a very, very special place,” White said. “We are hitting a major milestone worth seeing. We are proud of the support we give the community, and proud of the support the community gives us.”

 

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Saratoga Rowing had a very strong showing at Scholastic National Championships, held in Camden, N.J., on the Cooper River last week.

The girls Senior Eight became the first repeat champion in more than a decade, while Emma Price took home gold in the girls Lwt. Double, giving her four championships in four years.

The girls Freshman Eight won for the third consecutive year, while on the boys side they took home honors for the fifth straight year.

The girls Junior Four, boys Lwt. Quad and boys Junior Quad each notched silver medals.

The boys Senior and Junior Doubles, as well as the girls Junior Squad, all finished in third place, giving the Saratoga Rowing Association 10 medals in the national championships.

The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center named Saratoga Springs as one of its five new Walk Friendly Communities, awarding the Spa City a bronze level award. The Walk Friendly title means a city or town is being recognized for its success in working to improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access and comfort

PBIC recognized Evanston, Ill., Somerville, Mass., Lee’s Summit, Mo., Sandpoint, Id., and Arcata, Ca., as the other Walk Friendly Communities.

“We continue to be amazed by the efforts being made by communities of all sizes to improve conditions for walking,” said Carl Sundstrom, WFC program manager.

Spafford Criticizes Yepsen

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Saratoga Springs Republican Mayoral Candidate John Safford today criticized Joanne Yepsen’s mishandling of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

“Ms. Yepsen ran two years ago on a platform of moving the Comprehensive Plan forward and taking back Saratoga Springs for the people,” said Safford. “The people have spoken, and Yepsen’s failed leadership is a liability to the future of our City. We can do better.”

Last week, six community leaders who sit on the Comprehensive Plan Committee demanded their names be taken off the document. Committee members Todd Shimkus, Charles Wait, Sonny Bonacio, Devin Dal Pos, Steven Rowland and Jim Letts expressed strong disapproval with the current draft of the Plan, stating in a letter they do not support the plan or believe it represents a forward looking vision of Saratoga Springs.

“The Comprehensive Plan is a vital document that will help guide our City for years to come,” Safford added.

 

CAPTION FOR PHOTO

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The SaratogaArtsFest Arts Star Award for 2015 was presented to Yaddo, the famed artists's community, at the organization’s Prelude benefit on April 30. Accepting the award were four representatives of Yaddo (from left): Candace Wait, Steve Dennin, Tristan Kirvin, and Lynn Farnenell. To the far right is Dee Sarno, chair of SaratogaArtsFest board.

The Saratoga Springs boys’ baseball team is still two games behind Shenendehowa in the Suburban Council North Division despite a 5-1 victory over the Plainsmen on May 11.

Just a few days earlier, the Blue Streaks (14-3, 11-3 conference) dropped a 6-4 decision to Shaker. If Saratoga had been able to pull that game off, the Streaks would be sitting just one game behind Shen with three games to go before the postseason begins.

In the win over the Plainsmen, who were ranked No. 6 in the state heading into the showdown with Saratoga (ranked No. 15 in the state), the Streaks got a complete game gem out of starting pitcher Danny Hobbs. Hobbs allowed just four hits, stymieing a Shen offense that had been rolling through the season.

Nick Kondo, Marshall Kiesow and Zack Stacey each had a double for Saratoga. The victory was payback of sorts, as the Plainsmen had defeated Saratoga 3-0 in the first game of the season for both teams.

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Saratoga plays Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake and Schuylerville to close out the regular season.

Two days after destroying Shaker in the Section II Class AA quarterfinal by a 9-0 score, the Saratoga boys’ tennis team was edged by Niskayuna, 5-4, in the semifinal.

Niskayuna’s Nick Lau downed Saratoga’s David Romano, 06, 6-2, 6-4, while the Silver Warriors’ Elan Shaing scooted past Max Lee, 0-6, 6-2, 7-5.

On May 11, the Blue Streaks earned the right to play Niskayuna by blanking Shaker. Romano eased to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Ashutosh Yaligar. Jack DeRizzo breezed past Ryan Guo, 6-0, 6-1, while Seungmin Kim defeated Colin McLean, 6-1, 6-0. Max Lee and Dan MacCormick also notched singles victories for the Blue Streaks.

In doubles, Sean Rascoe and Drew Ziehnert earned a victory, as did the pairing of Matt Chmiel and Jake House.

Saratoga High Seeks Nominees for 2015 HOF 

The Saratoga Springs school district is seeking nominations for the Blue Streak Athletic Hall of Fame: Class of 2015. The program honors former student-athletes and coaches as well as other individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the athletics program.

Nomination forms, which are due by June 15, are available at the high school athletic office.   Nominees can include former student-athletes who graduated from the high school at least five years ago and former coaches who retired from coaching at least three years ago. There is also a category for honorary members, who can include supporters of the athletic program. Examples include counselors, faculty managers, scorekeepers, media and administrators.  There is no specific timetable for nominees for the honorary category. Nominations will be kept on file and considered for induction for three consecutive years. 

A committee composed of current and former coaches, high school administrators, community members, and current and retired athletic directors will review the nominations and select the honorees.

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17^th Annual Franklin Open

On Saturday, June 6, Windy Hills in Greenwich will host the Franklin Open golf tournament. It is an 8 a.m. shotgun start with a 7:30 a.m. registration. Cost is $80 per golfer. Money raised will go toward maintaining the facility and providing effective services. Call 518-587-9826 for more information. You can register here: http://www.franklincommunitycenter.org/fundraising-events/franklin-open/

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Freihofer’s Run for Women

To register for the 37th annual Freihofer’s Run for Women, 28th annual Kids’ Run, 27th annual Community Walk and 5th annual Freihofer’s Junior 3K, visit freihofersrun.com.  Online registration is available through midnight on May 26.  In-person registration will be held May 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Price Chopper Supermarkets’ Westgate Plaza store, as well as May 29 from noon to 7 p.m. at the CapitalCare/CDPHP Health & Fitness Expo at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall.  There is no day-of-event registration.

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Polo Association Tournament

On Friday, July 10, the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation will kick off the Saratoga Polo Association’s 2015 Tournament season with the Battle of Saratoga featuring an Army vs. Navy polo match on Whitney Field. Charles V. Wait, Honorary Chair for the Saratoga WarHorse Event, and Mayor Joanne D. Yepsen, co-chair, along with Saratoga Polo’s Jim Rossi and Mike Bucci, announced this one-of-a-kind match, as the City of Saratoga Springs celebrates its centennial.  



Festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the VIP tent, with the match following at 5:30 p.m.  This event features an Equestrian Exhibition. 

The Saratoga WarHorse program enables military veterans, struggling with the invisible signs of war such as PTSD, to team with retired thoroughbred racehorses to chart their future, and transition to their next career.
This past year, more than 200 veterans graduated from the WarHorse program. The goal for Saratoga WarHorse in 2015 is to double the number of military veterans served, and also increase the number of retired racehorses repurposed and trained for the program.
Saratoga Polo Association is also offering their ticket buyers the opportunity to donate to the Saratoga WarHorse Foundation when they buy tickets to the evening’s match.

Tickets can be purchased here: saratogapolo.com/tickets.

Call Saratoga WarHorse Foundation at 518-886-8131 to obtain complete details for all of the evenings’ events, in addition to the polo match.

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Adirondack Sportsman’s Alliance Gives Back

On April 25, the Adirondack Sportsman’s Alliance hosted its 15^th Annual Fundraising Banquet, where more than 300 people attended the festivities at Heritage Hall inside the Glens Falls Civic Center.

Five high school seniors were awarded scholarships at the event. Each candidate has to submit documentation from his or her high school substantiating scholastic ability along with writing an essay on the outdoors and what their plans are for the future.

The winners:

• Dustin Franke, senior at South Glens Falls Central School District. Dustin will graduate in June and has been accepted at the University of Buffalo and Clarkson University, and will be enrolled in the Civil Engineering program with a focus on Environmental Engineering.
• Matthew Hamel, senior at Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. After graduation, Matthew will attend St. John Fischer in Rochester, where he will focus his curriculum in business.
• Aineen Callahan, senior at Warransburg High School. Aineen will attend Regis College in Weston, Mass., in the fall, pursuing a career in nursing.
• Corey Smith, senior at South Glens Falls Central School District. Corey aspires to be working in the outdoors and hopes to become a conservation officer one day.
• Curtis Clark, senior at Argyle Central School District and also attends Southern Adirondack Educational Center focusing on heavy equipment. Curtis will be enrolled at Lincoln Technical Institute in Connecticut in the fall.

The Adirondack Sportsman’s Alliance takes great pride in giving back to the community. In addition to the scholarships, the ASA has given disabled hunters the opportunity to get back into the woods with free guided hunts, contributed food and non-perishable items to local food pantries and has provided youth hunting, target training and fishing programs on its land.  

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The Murph Challenge 

On Monday, May 25, at Crossfit Soulshine starting at 11 a.m. is the Murph Challenge. Everyone is welcome to participate in this event. Friends and family are welcome to join, as well. Plan on staying out after to celebrate with a Memorial Day barbeque. Sign up for a dish to share, and for any other information: themurphchallenge.com. 

The Murph is a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats bookended by another mile run. 

A scaled version of the event features a half-mile run, 50 pull-ups, 100 pull-ups, 150 air squats and another half-mile run.

You can also join as a team, but you need to let organizers know in advance.

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BIKEATOGA Announces Spring Kids Bike Giveaway

Bikeatoga will be holding a Spring Kids Bike Giveaway on Saturday May 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Saratoga Springs. Over the past several months, Bikeatoga has collected and refurbished used kids bikes specifically for this event.

Parents or guardians of children who are in need of a free bicycle must call 518-306-6931 and leave a voicemail or e-mail Ginny at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You will receive a return call with an appointment for May 16, and directions to the Bikeatoga Workshop. The Spring Kids Bike Giveaway is by appointment only, and a parent or guardian must be present. Cornell Cooperative Extension will provide helmets.

Bikeatoga is prepared to give away approximately 60 bikes to needy children through age 17. Selection of some bike sizes is limited. We cannot guarantee we will have the size requested

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Sandlot Baseball

The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department has announced a new program – Sandlot Baseball - for summer, 2015. This program is being co-sponsored with Saratoga Babe Ruth. It is open to children ages 14 to 16. This program will run July 13 to Aug 7,  on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the East and West Side Recreation Field. This program is for those looking to play baseball after their spring season. Water, cleats and baseball glove are required. Registration is $50 for Saratoga Springs city residents, $50 for Saratoga Springs school district residents and $70 for non-city residents. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 7 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., or visit us at SaratogaRec.com. Questions, 587-3550 ext. 2300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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Summer 2015 Programs and Clinics.

The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is offering an extensive and varied list of programs and clinics for this summer. Choose from boys and girls basketball, volleyball, baseball, field hockey, tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, cheerleading, skate park, softball, track, running, sandlot baseball, flag football and ice skating lessons. For detailed information and to download forms visit us at saratogarec.com. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Questions, 587-3550 ext. 2300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Flag Football Program

The Saratoga Springs Recreation Department has announced a flag football program. This program is being co-sponsored with Saratoga Pop Warner. It is open to children ages 5 to 10. This program will run July 8 to Aug 2, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the East Side Recreation Field. Water and sneakers/cleats are required. Registration fee is $50 for Saratoga Springs city residents, $50 for Saratoga Springs school district residents and $70 for non-city residents. Sign up at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or visit us at SaratogaRec.com. Questions, 587-3550 ext. 2300 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

STILLWATER – Brown’s Beach Resort is reopening on May 30 thanks to a tireless effort by Mayor Ed Kinowski, funding from Global Foundries and a bevy of volunteers from all over the region.

The beach, an area mainstay from the late 1800s until 10 years ago when it closed down, is making the comeback Kinowski hoped for when he first started the effort to reopen it back in 2010.

You might think Kinowski has a personal story or two from when the beach was open, but that’s not the case. He just thinks it’s something that needs to come back in order to give locals public access to Saratoga Lake, while also bringing in tourists to experience the serenity and beauty of the body of water.

“I never used the beach in my entire life,” Kinowski said. “But I kept hearing from people that there’s no public access to the lake, and at the end of the day, I thought there needed to be. It only makes sense.”

On July 15, 2014, Doc Brown’s Resort officially reopened when Tony Panza, owner of Panza’s Restaurant, opened the doors to his new establishment, Doc Brown’s. Kinowski said the restaurant’s opening was the first major step toward the beach’s comeback.

There will also be a marina onsite, run by Menneto Powersports. The business will also offer various repair services.

Locals will remember there being a carnival at the old Brown’s Beach. Kinowski said opening a new set of rides and games isn’t in the plans this time around, citing development in the area near the beach.

“Well, there’s not enough room for a carnival,” he said. “And there’s not enough parking around there, so we are limited in what we can do on that front.”

As is at the heart of most community issues similar to this, money was the major question in getting the resort back.

Over the last handful of years, the lakefront had been looked at as a space to develop residential real estate. Kinowski, working closely with town officials, was able to help secure enough money through Global Foundries and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to buy the nine-acre beach for $4.1 million.

Kinowski was quick to point out that town taxpayers are not footing a penny of the bill, as he was able to work out a development agreement between Stillwater, Malta and Glens Falls as part of a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT program).

“I took a chance on this. I’m betting that, with all of the work and dedication put forth by everyone involved, this will become something that stays around a while and has a big benefit to the area,” Kinowski said. “We hope the draw to the beach will help the economic impact allow us to pay for even more growth of Brown’s. We want to have all the proper facilities and amenities.”

They are working on the proper paperwork to get a pavilion building, and also what Kinowski called a “snack shack.” The capacity for the beach will be around 450 people, but that has yet to be finalized.

Until school is out, the beach will “most likely be open only on weekends,” and figures to be open every day during the summer. Kinowski said it will create eight-to-10 full- and part-time jobs.

As for the May 30 grand opening, the schedule has a ribbon cutting happening at 11 a.m., complete with free soft drinks, face painting for the kids, games, a treasure hunt, fireworks and live music by local band Good Sir.

Kinowski said that without the donation of time and resources from the volunteers and local businesses such as Skip’s Electric, First Response and Brown’s Plumbing, the beach might not have been on track to open this year.

“This whole thing has been brought about by a tremendous effort by citizens from all over the area who just wanted to help,” Kinowski said. “Local businesses contributed so much, between money and just help. Most of the credit should go to them, because they all know we need to have something like this to attract the people.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Outside the Putnam Den on Monday starting at 4:20 p.m. will be a man on a 12-string guitar and a handful of vendors kicking off the first ever 420 Fest.

Inside the Den, beginning at 5:30 p.m., is a spate of rock and roll bands from Saratoga, Brooklyn, Buffalo and beyond, coming together for a celebration but also to raise awareness for the benefits of medicinal marijuana.

Esperanto will be on hand providing fresh local food and beverages. Smoke More, a Saratoga shop specializing in smoking products, will be there with a tent, selling items ranging from clothing to glass. Promoters did not want to name the rest of the vendors, as not all contracts have been signed.

Jim Gilbert, who put on the festival with along with all the bands on the bill, is a member of local stoner rock group Jesus Christ & The Hallucinogenic All Stars and also co-owner of the popular music journalism website NYSMusic.com.

Angels on the Fourth, Second Trip, High Peaks Band, Of Clocks & Clouds and Galaxy Overdrive are the other bands scheduled to perform.

Smokin’ Herb Carter will bring his brand of acoustic rock on a 12-string guitar outside the venue for the kickoff. Carter, a Plattsburgh native, lives in Troy.

“Listen closely to him, because you may end up thinking it’s Neil Young,” Gilbert said. “We’re very lucky to have him.”

High Peaks Band, the self-proclaimed Official Band of Saratoga, draws upon a list of influences including psychedelic rock, reggae, pop and modern rock, swirling them all together into a high-energy show. Gilbert described them as a jam band, and one with a flair for having fun on stage.

The band consists of Aaron Giffin on drums, Brian Hoffman on keyboards, Mike Hoffman on bass guitar and Rick Nelson on lead guitar.

Second Trip hails from Buffalo, and are a straightforward rock band. Gilbert described Brooklyn-based Of Clocks & Clouds as “dark, driving electronic rock.”

Galaxy Overdrive, as its name suggests, is spacey rock and roll.

Gilbert said that both of his parents have had bouts with cancer, and that it has affected his family in many ways. His father is prescribed strong opioid painkillers that come with painful and unwanted side affects such as dizziness, constipation and disorientation.

As for the festival, Gilbert stressed that the event will not be a marijuana smoke out, but a gathering of like-minded people raising awareness for a movement that has caught on across the country.

On the musical side, Gilbert said the lineup he constructed came together because all the bands are like-minded.

“We have a great music scene here in Saratoga, but sometimes I think the area is a bit neglectful of rock,” Gilbert added. “For my band, this is kicking off a five-week tour that goes to the Midwest, and we wanted to represent our hometown. And considering we are a stoner rock band, this is the perfect medium for us.”

The event costs $10 for the 18 and over crowd, and $15 for anyone under 18. It is a family friendly event, as people of all ages are encouraged to attend, dance, eat local food and get educated about New York’s limited medical marijuana law, called the Compassionate Care Act. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law in July, 2014, making it the 23^rd state with an effective medicinal marijuana law.

On Jan. 5, 2016, the program will be fully implemented. The state is currently sifting through applications to award licenses to five providers, also to be known as dispensaries.

 

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Fest at Putnam Den

Monday, starts at 4:20 p.m.

Putnam Den, 63A Putnam Street

$10 for 18+, $15 for everyone else

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BANDS

Jesus Christ & The Hallucinogenic All Stars

Second Trip

High Peaks Band

Of Clocks & Clouds

Galaxy Overdrive

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 PutnamDen.com for more info