I wasn’t prepared for the intoxicating love affair I’d have with Dubai. My sons and I had planned to vacation in the United Arab Emirates city, because it checked off every box for us: It had a warm climate, beautiful architecture, a famous racetrack (we’d be there for the opening of racing season) and was a place where we could have a real adventure. As we descended on Dubai, the iconic skyline emerging from the desert, it welcomed us like no other city had. Its sheer magic affirmed to me that Dubai has joined an elite club of worldwide luxury travel destinations.
A city built on deep-rooted traditions and a progressive vision of what cities of the future should/could look like, Dubai’s both welcoming and inspiring. We took a quick train ride from the airport into the city—an opportunity to experience its new fast transit system—and walked through the streets to our hotel. Large cranes, tall buildings and massive piles of building supplies, with construction barricades everywhere, dotted the streets as if to say, “Welcome! We’re building a city just for you.” Like a kid in a candy store, I obsessed over every detail: the modern lines in the architecture; the elegant houses of worship, with their glorious call-to-prayer echoing throughout the streets; the hum of luxury cars; and the beauty of the warm blue sky. All that, and the promise of the Arabian desert and its graceful sands beyond the city.
As if in a trance, we wandered around the world’s largest mall, saw the world’s largest building and experienced the world’s largest fountain. Wow! A visit to Burj Khalifa, the city’s 2717-foot tower, was first on the list. This majestic building commands the skyline like no other, and while it hosts apartments, restaurants, offices and viewing areas—and has a spire made from more than 4000 tons of steel—it’s more than just a building: It’s an incredible, award-winning architectural masterpiece. And as if that wasn’t enough, at its base is the Dubai Fountain, providing a mesmerizing jetted light show, choreographed to music, which we were able to get a front-row seat for from the private balcony of the Burberry store. Talk about being at the right place at the right time.
Our next stop was Meydan Racecourse, Dubai’s premier horse racing venue. As proud Saratogians who’ve loved our historic Saratoga Race Course, it takes a lot to impress us. But with Meydan’s mile-long grandstand, with room to accommodate more than 60,000 spectators; elegant international crowd; and glorious horses, the experience simply took our breath away.
It was difficult to leave Dubai, its stunning architecture and cultural experiences—and its gracious people left an indelible, unforgettable impression on us. It’s a fabulous city. I know that someday I’ll return to Dubai, and there’ll be a host of new buildings to see and beauty to discover.
Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte, the legendary, critically-acclaimed portrait photographer, is tough, in the best possible sense of that word. Knowing precisely what he wants from an assignment is one of several traits I share with the Manhattan-based artist (along with a Cuban heritage), and the end result of his work is always—always—flawless.
I first met Rodríguez-Duarte when I commissioned him to shoot the newly elected Mayor of Miami, Xavier Suárez (another Cuban) for the cover of a magazine I served as Editor in Chief for nearly three decades ago. That day—and that shoot—was epic, unforgettable for many reasons, not the least of which was the resulting arresting images he captured of the Harvard-educated politico. I, clearly, had hired the right guy.
Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte’s photograph of Marylou Whitney graces the latest cover of ‘saratoga living’ magazine.
So who exactly is Alexis Rodríguez-Duarte? When the Vanderbilt family held their family reunion at The Breakers, their legendary Newport mansion, Rodríguez-Duarte was chosen to document the occasion. When acclaimed artist Rachel Feinstein needed to create fantastical images of goddesses wearing the latest couture for Harper’s Bazaar, she commissioned the star lensman. Rodríguez-Duarte’s work is, incredibly, in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery and has been shown at the Annenberg Space for Photography, the Museum of American History in Washington, DC, Museum of the City of New York, LACMA and the Victoria & Albert Museum, among others. Currently, his work is in an exhibition at The Jewish Museum in New York City. Collaborating with his massively talented husband, Tico Torres, Rodríguez-Duarte has had his work displayed in numerous public and private collections and has been featured in the likes of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Vogue (France), Vogue (UK), Town & Country, Esquire and on and on.
Rodríguez-Duarte remembers his shoot with Marylou Whitney, Saratoga Springs’ brightest light, as nothing short of a lovefest. “We were in Newport at the Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers, and Mrs. Whitney was standing outside the entrance mesmerized by all of the elegant horse-drawn carriages that were pulling up to the fabled structure for the Vanderbilts’ glamorous soirée. She was radiant, impossibly chic—I just knew we’d have a beautiful portrait as a result. And we did,” he says.
It’s deeply satisfying to know that it was the iconic Marylou Whitney who had a hand in reconnecting me with this masterful artist, my friend. All of us in Saratoga can now reap the benefits of this happy reunion by merely glancing at saratoga living’s indelible, timeless cover.
In last year’s Holiday Issue,saratoga living ran its first-ever Luxury Gift Guide, featuring over-the-top private chef dinners, hundred-thousand-dollar “must-have” accessories and, yes, a vacation in outer space. This year, we decided to switch gears in the spirit of the holidays (even though I’d still totally be down with someone buying me that $168,000 heliskiing trip to Alaska), and present our first-annual Giving Gift Guide, which highlights a dozen charities and nonprofit organizations in the Capital Region we’d like you to consider making a charitable donation to this season. saratoga living even sweetened the deal: If you make a donation to the following charities before February 1, and mention “saratoga living” you’ll receive a special bonus, whether it’s some branded swag, a dedicated “thank you” post on their social media or, my personal favorite, the opportunity to name a rescue pet at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. So, as you flip through the following pages, consider helping out a cause you might’ve not considered giving to in the past. After all, it is the holiday season. Let’s make it a happy one for as many people (and animals) as we can.
American Cancer Society’s wig room. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity The American Cancer Society (ACS), a nationwide health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer, has been funding breakthrough research and providing free lodging near treatment sites, free rides and a 24-hour helpline to cancer patients and survivors since its establishment in 1913. The local affiliate, American Cancer Society of the Capital Region, contributes to the national effort by way of monumental fundraising events and campaigns held throughout the year. This year, the Capital Region’s “Real Men Wear Pink” team, consisting of 26 local community leaders, business owners and volunteers, led the nation in donations, with more than $370,000 raised in the month of October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Ways To Donate:
Donate here or over the phone by calling Lizzie Hunter at (518) 220-6929 and mentioning “saratoga living.”
saratoga living Bonus:
Donate $100 or more and have a bouquet of daffodils delivered to a local cancer patient on your behalf and your name printed as a “saratoga living Gift Of Hope” donor in ACS’ printed Gala Of Hope program.
American Cancer Society By The Numbers:
4.9: Billions of dollars invested in cancer research via ACS since 1946
915: Thousands of cancer screenings provided to underserved communities by ACS since 2011
1.3: Millions of calls answered by ACS of the Capital Region’s 24/7 helpline last year
2600: Members who benefited from support at ACS’ HopeClub of the Capital Region last year
340: Thousands of rides given to and from cancer treatment by ACS of the Capital Region last year
501: Thousands of nights of free or reduced-price lodging for cancer patients traveling for treatment provided by ACS of the Capital Region last year
A scene from Joy US Foundation’s Stronger Than Cancer Day. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity Founded in February 2018, Joy US is a Saratoga Springs-based organization that provides cancer patients and survivors (and their friends and family members) access to outdoor experiences, including hiking, kayaking, fishing and organic gardening. Founder Janet Abrahamson’s vision for the foundation is to “restore joy and serenity in the lives of cancer survivors,” and to connect people affected by cancer by way of relaxed outdoor activities. Abrahamson hopes to develop a property in the Adirondacks that will be able to offer extended stays to cancer survivors and their families without financial burden.
Ways To Donate:
Donate hereor type “saratoga living”in the “write a note” field when donating via PayPal here.
saratoga living Bonus:
Donate $50 and receive a Joy US water bottle. Donate $100 and receive a Joy US drawstring backpack. Donate $250 or more and receive a Joy US water bottle, drawstring backpack and can koozie.
Joy US Foundation By The Numbers:
50: Outdoor excursions Joy US has held in just a year and a half of the foundation’s existence
50: Cost, in dollars, for Joy US to take a family of four on a guided full moon hike with other families impacted by a cancer diagnosis
100: Cost, in dollars, for Joy US to provide a family of four with a night of snow tubing, a pizza party and s’mores by the fire with other families impacted by a cancer diagnosis
250: Cost, in dollars, for Joy US to provide a family of four with an overnight stay in the Adirondacks, kayaking and hiking.
Kip chews on a toy at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society’s animal care center in Menands. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS), the oldest and largest animal protection organization in the Capital Region, has been serving Albany, Rensselaer and the surrounding counties for more than 130 years. With two facilities—an animal care center in Menands and a spay/neuter clinic in Saratoga Springs, in addition to the support of a large team of volunteers and charitable donations—the humane society is able to touch the lives of more than 7000 animals each year. It provides shelter and care for stray, abused and unwanted animals; low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services; vaccinations; dog training; a pet food pantry; and humane education programming.
Ways To Donate:
Donate here and type “saratoga living,” along with the name you’d like to give a pet, in the “comments for MHHS staff” field.
saratoga living Bonus:
Donate $100 or more and you will get to name a cat or dog at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and will receive a photograph of the pet you named.
Mohawk Hudson Humane Society By The Numbers:
7000: Animals served by MHHS each year
3138: Pets adopted into loving families by MHHS in 2018
1049: Animals cared for in foster homes through MHHS in 2018
24,628: Hours dedicated by MHHS volunteers in 2018
3059: Low-cost surgeries provided to animals by MHHS in 2018
45,895: Meals provided through MHHS’ pet foot pantry
Old Friends At Cabin Creek is the only Thoroughbred retirement farm located in Saratoga County. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity Old Friends At Cabin Creek, the New York division of Old Friends—a Thoroughbred retirement facility headquartered in Georgetown, KY, and founded in 2003—has worked to provide a safe and loving home for retired race horses since it opened its doors in 2009. It’s the only retirement farm of its kind located in Saratoga County (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is based in the Spa City, but doesn’t operate a farm there), and also serves as a place for the public to meet real race horses at free open houses every Saturday afternoon throughout the winter. Old Friends At Cabin Creek is staffed completely by volunteers and run entirely on donations, so the foundation relies heavily on the support of the city that owes its success to many of the horses Old Friends cares for.
Ways To Donate:
Donate via PayPal here and type “saratoga living” in the “write a note field” or by enclosing a note that says “saratoga living” when donating by mail to: 483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.
saratoga living Bonus:
Donate $50 or more and receive a four-pack of Old Friends At Cabin Creek thank you cards.
Old Friends At Cabin Creek By The Numbers:
15: Cost, in dollars, to care for a horse at Old Friends At Cabin Creek for one day
100: Percentage of Old Friends At Cabin Creek staff members that are volunteers
15: Thoroughbreds currently residing at Old Friends At Cabin Creek
8,881,711: Total earnings, in dollars, of the 15 Thoroughbreds that live at Old Friends At Cabin Creek
Saratoga Bridges’ Creative Endeavors Art Center gives individuals a place to hone their creativity. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity In 1956, a group of parents joined together to found Saratoga County ARC, a “rightful place in society” for their children living with disabilities. In 2006, the foundation was renamed Saratoga Bridges, and it’s now the third largest nonprofit human services agency in Saratoga County. Since then, the organization has been providing high-quality services—including in-home support, employment opportunities, rides to and from employment and programs, residential alternatives, clinical services and day programs—to hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Saratoga Bridges mission is to enrich, elevate, enhance and empower people’s lives in communities where they’re valued for their abilities and contributions.
Ways To Donate:
Donate here and type “saratoga living” in the “company” field or over the phone by calling (518) 587-0723 and mentioning “saratoga living.”
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $49 or less and receive a Saratoga Bridges baseball hat. Donate $50-$149 and receive a Saratoga Bridges Yeti water bottle. Donate $150 or more and receive a Saratoga Bridges quarter-zip sweatshirt.
Saratoga Bridges By The Numbers:
830: Individuals currently served by Saratoga Bridges
450: Individuals transported to and from programs by Saratoga Bridges daily
307: Families currently receiving support services from Saratoga Bridges
115: People working in the community through Saratoga Bridges’ supported employee program, Alpha Career Options
Saratoga PLAN’s Glowegee Creek Trail, set to open to the public in spring 2020. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity Saratoga PLAN, which stands for “Preserving Land And Nature,” was formed in 2003 when two grassroots volunteer operations—Saratoga Springs Open Space Project and the Land Trust of the Saratoga Region—combined to create one efficient and sustainable land conservation organization to serve the Saratoga region. More than a decade-and-a-half later, PLAN works tirelessly to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County, so that future generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful place.
Ways To Donate:
Donate online hereand type “saratoga living” in the “notes for donation” field; over the phone by calling (518) 587-5554 and mentioning “saratoga living;”or by enclosing a note that says “saratoga living” when donating by mail to 112 Spring Street, Room 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $50 or more and receive a packet of native, sun-loving seeds.
Saratoga PLAN By The Numbers:
6: PLAN employees
250: Student interns and volunteers that help out at PLAN
4985: Acres of conserved land managed by PLAN
22: Miles of trails maintained by PLAN
10: Nature preserves owned by PLAN
7000: Acres conserved by PLAN to date
A rug hooking class at Saratoga Senior Center. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity The Saratoga Senior Center, a nonprofit, nonresidential community center in Downtown Saratoga Springs, offers Saratoga County people aged 50 or older a variety of free and subsidized social, recreational, wellness, educational, arts and cultural programming, year-round. Additionally, it offers seniors supports services such as advocacy and referrals, support groups, transportation and food services. Established in 1955, the center’s mission is to empower seniors to achieve and maintain personal independence and individual well-being.
Ways To Donate:
Click via PayPal here and type “saratoga living” in the “add special instructions to the seller” field (you can also indicate if you would prefer not to be mentioned on social media or in the newsletter in this field) or over the phone by calling (518) 584-1621 and mentioning “saratoga living.”
saratoga living bonus:
The first ten people who donate $50 or more will receive a hand-crafted piece of art created by members in Saratoga Senior Center art classes. Donate any amount of money and receive a shout out in Saratoga Senior Center’s newsletter and on its social media.
Saratoga Senior Center By The Numbers:
2000: Seniors served annually by the Saratoga Senior Center
150: Average daily attendance at the Saratoga Senior Center
50: Different programs offered each month by the Saratoga Senior Center
15,000: Volunteer hours donated per year on average
Code Blue Saratoga’s new temporary homeless shelter on Adelphi Street. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity Shelters of Saratoga’s Code Blue Saratoga provides homeless individuals with safe shelter, services and strategies to get out of their situation. Code Blue Saratoga’s new temporary, seasonal hub, open from November 15-April 1, is located on Adelphi Street. In previous years, new St. Peter’s Church and the Salvation Army have also hosted the shelter. Code Blue is funded in part by The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and in part by donations from the community.
Ways To Donate:
Donate online here and type “saratoga living”in the “comment” field.
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $50 or more and receive a Shelters Of Saratoga #inclusivity bracelet.
Code Blue Saratoga By The Numbers
261: People served by Code Blue Saratoga in the 2018-19 season
158: Nights Code Blue Saratoga was open during the 2018-19 season
79: Percentage of people served by Code Blue Saratoga during the 2018-19 season that were male
1070: Shifts worked by Code Blue Saratoga volunteers in the 2017-18 season
Maggie Fronk, executive director of Wellspring, at work in her office. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity In 1982, a group of concerned community members formed the Task Force Against Domestic Violence, which, along with 20 volunteers, offered support, transportation, clothing and financial assistance to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The organization grew into Wellspring, a domestic violence and sexual assault services resource that offers a slew of services, including crisis intervention and counseling, advocacy and case management, emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, long-term housing assistance and financial support.
Ways To Donate:
Donate via PayPal hereand type “saratoga living” in the “write a note” field. (You can also indicate if you’d prefer not to be mentioned on social media in this field.)
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $50 or more and receive a stick-on phone card holder and shout out on Wellspring’s Facebook page.
Wellspring By The Numbers:
1500: New client calls answered by Wellspring in 2018
18,885: Nights of safe sleep provided by Wellspring in 2018
850: Survivors of abuse served by Wellspring in 2018
250: Thousands of dollars spent by Wellspring in 2018 on rent subsidies for its New View Housing Program
350: Miles of cab rides to family court, job interviews and services provided by Wellspring to clients each month
6500: People served by Wellspring’s education and awareness activities in 2018
A veteran at Veterans & Community Housing Coalition’s fourth annual Veterans Ball at the Hall of Springs. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity On any given day in the US, more than 50,000 veterans are homeless—600 of whom reside in the Capital Region. Incorporated in 1983, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) aims to help homeless veterans obtain and maintain permanent housing, financial stability and health care. Located in Ballston Spa, VCHC offers a variety of housing programs for veterans, low-income families and other individuals experiencing homelessness.
Ways To Donate:
Donate via PayPal hereand type “saratoga living” in the “write a note” field (you can also indicate if you would prefer not to be mentioned on social media in this field); over the phone by calling (518) 885-0091 and mentioning “saratoga living;” or by enclosing a note that says “saratoga living” when donating by mail to 20 Prospect St., Bldg. 2, Suite 313, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $50 or more and receive a VCHC pen and a shout out on VCHC’s social media pages.
Veterans & Community Housing Coalition By The Numbers:
600: Homeless veterans in the Capital Region
250: Veterans assisted by VCHC in 2018
300: Low-income and disabled Saratoga County families assisted by VCHC in 2018
Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Adirondack ReStore, located in Fort Edward. (Francesco D’Amico)
Habitat For Humanity International is a nonprofit organization that works to provide affordable housing for the less fortunate through the help of volunteers and donations. The local arm, Habitat For Humanity Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties is chiefly run by volunteers, as is its ReStore, which accepts donations and sells home improvement items to the public for a fraction of their retail price. Proceeds of every sale at the Southern Adirondack ReStore, which is located in Fort Edward, go towards the work of Habitat For Humanity.
Ways To Donate:
Donate via PayPal here and type “saratoga living” into the “Would you like to direct your donation?” field.
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $100 or more and receive a $25 gift card to Habitat for Humanity’s Southern Adirondack ReStore.
Habitat For Humanity By The Numbers:
350: Thousands of homes built by Habitat for Humanity International to date
1.75: Millions of people who have been provided shelter by Habitat for Humanity International to date
30: Homes built by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties to date
Saratoga Hospital’s Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center. (Francesco D’Amico)
About The Charity As the philanthropic arm of Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Hospital Foundation secures, manages and distributes gifts to support the mission of the hospital. Recently, donations to the foundation have helped bring to fruition projects such as the Saratoga Community Health Center, which provides health services to community members, regardless of their insurance status and ability to pay; and the Nursing Scholarship Program, which invests in some of the best area nurses.
Ways To Donate:
Donate here by choosing “Designation: Other” and typing “saratoga living” into the “other” field; donate over the phone by calling (518) 583-8340 and mentioning “saratoga living,” or mention “saratoga living” when donating in person at 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
saratoga living bonus:
Donate $100 or more and receive Saratoga Hospital’s 2019 Collector’s Ornament, which this year honors Marylou Whitney. See the ornament here.
Saratoga Hospital Foundation By The Numbers:
501,301: Amount raised, in dollars, at the 2019 Saratoga Hospital Gala
15: Millions of dollars in Saratoga Hospital’s endowment fund
24: Years Saratoga Hospital has been creating its collectible holiday ornaments
Wow. Dubai is a lot. An orgiastic, diamond-encrusted platinum trough of extravagance and built-yesterday beauty. Everywhere. Yes, this desert-urban contradiction lays seaside on the Persian Gulf within the United Arab Emirates (UEA) and for Saratogians who relish the rush of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Dubai World Cup in March 2020—not only the world’s richest horse race with a $12 million purse, but also its richest card, with a whopping $35 million in purses to go around—well, it’s time to pony up and schedule your trip right now.
Beyond the thrill of the horses, this international adventure is truly an epic trip of a lifetime. Trust me, upon landing, you’ll quickly see why Lonely Planet put Dubai on its “Top Ten Cities” list of must-see destinations for 2020. But, what to do? There isn’t, of course, enough room in this story to detail the endless, luxurious, over-the-top places where you can eat, sleep and play in Dubai, but let’s hit some of the high notes.
Terraced pools at One&Only The Palm.
If you’re worried about having to leave your children home, don’t. Hasn’t the kid in you always wanted to be Poseidon? The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial, tree-shaped archipelago off the coast of the city, is home to more than a dozen luxury resorts, including my two favorites, One&Only The Palm and Atlantis The Palm. The former is an all-inclusive, opulent resort with an enormous footprint that’ll make it hard to leave. The property is host to the magnificent Guerlain Spa,where Arabian wellness nights meet French beauty and the most ornate Moroccan Hammam spa on the planet resides, alongside its chic adults-only pool. Whether you choose a this-must-be-heaven, age-rewind facial or an all-day terraced wellness suite, you’ll feel new again—like a better version of you. Want to pump it up? The Palm Jumeirah’s ShuiQi Fitness Centre & Spa delivers. A food adventure? Go where Eurasia and the Middle East meet: ZEST, a Michelin star award-winning restaurant that boasts Moorish design and unforgettable delicacies. STAY, on the other hand, is the culinary experience where you should wear that perfect (expensive) outfit for the most elevated date night of your life, featuring French cuisine with an inventive twist. With a three-night booking, a complimentary two-day pass awaits for Aquaventure (the Club Atlantis Waterpark on steroids), The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Shark Feeding Show.The Palm also hosts unforgettable excursions in the desert: from hot air Balloon Adventures Dubai, safaris and waterskiing to a first-rate escorted tour of A Day In Historical Dubai,whose amazing spice market and trade center is one of many stopovers.
Shaking up the wow factor is the nearby Bvlgari Resort& Yacht Club in Jumeira Bay—and it’s as classy and sleek as anything you can imagine. (This is Dubai, after all.) It’s a fully inclusive resort with everything imaginable at your disposal—the rooms, suites and villas are next-level modern luxe. There are plenty of eats here, too. Il Ristorante–Niko Romito does superb Italian and a separate à la carte and truffle (yum!) menu. Hōseki is a globally renowned Japanese jewel box where your evening’s menu is decided by the executive chef. Just. Do. It. How about farm-to-massage table fresh? Bvlgari Spa offers an amazing deep detox massage, using Mediterranean plants such as myrtle, cypress, hyssop and juniper to smooth and refine your soul. Its iconic vitality pool resembles a true open air (all’aperto)Roman bath.
A wildlife drive near Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa.
Ready for your next stop? Amidst the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve lies the Luxury Collection’s Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, acknowledged as one of the best hotels in the world for its most untypical features. A cluster of what appears to be royal tented huts are really exquisite suite residences worthy of housing the remaining kings of the world. Or you. If you’re not staying there this trip, do drop in and take a look. Timeless Spa might make you want to replace your doctor, as its holistic, longevity-based Ayurveda is sublime. Dune dining on Persian carpets at Al Diwaan may be captured in your dreams forever, or you could just pop in to Hajar Terrace Bar for a sunset happy hour in the middle of the preserve. Al Maha is worthy of a day trip for falconry, horseback riding or camel trekking and, as always, a dip in the inviting pool.
Honestly, just add a few extra days onto your trip. You can see some of the finest, non-Saratoga racing of your life and have the trip of a lifetime. Of that, I’m sure.
This past summer, Saratoga Springs lost its brightest star and greatest champion, Marylou Whitney. And even though I’ve only lived here for two years, it’s quickly become clear to me that Marylou Whitney was Saratoga. The more I explore the Spa City, the more I learn about this remarkable human being—and the more I want to know. How could one person have had such an impact on a single city? I set out to ask some of the people who knew her best that exact question. Reading their responses, I find myself even more in awe of Marylou Whitney. Her legacy is undeniably extraordinary. I take it back; she’s not just our city’s brightest star; Marylou Whitney is nothing less than Saratoga’s supernova.
(Illustration by Noah Clark)
Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor, State Of New York
“The story of horse racing and the story of Marylou Whitney, the Queen of Saratoga, could not be more intertwined. Marylou was the heart, the spirit, the personality, the mystique, the beauty and the charisma that represents the best of New York’s horse racing industry. Marylou and her husband, John, were the drivers for the industry’s success. Marylou’s extraordinary talent, where everything she touched she just made better, is on full display here in Saratoga.”
Elaina Richardson, President, Yaddo
“Back in 2011, the Marylou Whitney rose was first introduced to the public at Yaddo Gardens. The rose that Marylou and her husband gifted is fragrant, delicately beautiful but resilient and made to stand the rigors of time and upstate life. The gift and the celebration were also, by design, for our whole community and the delight of those who visit Saratoga. She understood how to give in a way that would be enriching to many. That charming combination perfectly encapsulates how Marylou Whitney struck me.”
(Illustration by Noah Clark)
Elizabeth Sobol, President And CEO, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)
“Everyone who’s ever called Saratoga home is keenly aware of the great impact Marylou Whitney has had on the city. Her extraordinary generosity and leadership have been key to the success and vitality of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center since its opening. We will sorely miss her presence in this place she loved so much.”
Todd Pletcher, Award-Winning Thoroughbred Trainer
“To say that Marylou Whitney is a Saratoga legend would be an obvious understatement. What stood out to me, as I’m sure it did to many, was her kindness and generosity, and in particular, her work with the backstretch. Her under-the-radar contributions demonstrated that she gave for the sake of giving, an endearing quality that we should all aspire to.”
Sonny and Julie Bonacio, President And Vice President, Bonacio Construction
“Marylou’s beauty, inside and out, and her exceptional kindness to people and giving ways have and will continue to leave a fingerprint on this gem of a community she loved and cared for so much.”
(Illustration by Noah Clark)
Meg Kelly, Mayor, City Of Saratoga Springs
“Marylou Whitney is synonymous with everything that is Saratoga Springs and was a tireless advocate of the city as a true summer tourism destination. Not only did Marylou Whitney provide funding for tangibles—buildings, programs, equipment and gardens—but she also injected Saratoga with an air of festivity, exuberance, vitality and sanguinity that now permeates our city and its culture of giving. Some people call Marylou Whitney the ‘Savior of Saratoga.’ Some consider her the ‘Queen of Saratoga.’ To family, friends and to me, she’ll always be the ‘Soul of Saratoga.’”
(Illustration by Noah Clark)
Paul Tonko, US Congressman (D-NY)
“Marylou Whitney was one of the rare people capable of making anybody smile. Her boundless energy and loving spirit were a treasure, and her incredible devotion to her community and lasting impact are evident at the entrance at the track and on the day of August 3, both aptly named after Marylou Whitney. She was a gift to all who met her, and she will be dearly missed.”
David O’Rourke, President And CEO, New York Racing Association (NYRA)
“An avid horsewoman and true lover of the sport, Marylou Whitney was one of Thoroughbred racing’s greatest ambassadors. As a top breeder and committed supporter of the Thoroughbred industry, she delivered some of the most memorable moments in New York racing history. Yet, it seems that Marylou’s passion for racing was matched only by her love for the City of Saratoga Springs and her support for the backstretch community. Her generosity is evident by the endless list of her contributions. Saratoga wouldn’t be the destination it is today without her.”
Angelo Calbone, President And CEO, Saratoga Hospital
“At Saratoga Hospital, we’re reminded of Marylou Whitney’s legacy every day. She helped bring so many lifesaving healthcare services to our community, and we see the impact that her generosity has—and will continue to have—on virtually every patient we care for. Behind that generosity was an extraordinary energy and enthusiasm. With Marylou on your side, everything seemed possible—and a lot more fun. Her sense of purpose and passion helped transform our hospital and our community and inspires us to strive to do the same.”
Linda Toohey, Founder, Leadership Saratoga
“Besides the myriad improved places and organizations that Marylou made possible for future generations, she also set the bar high for others in the community thinking of making contributions of their time and treasure. She’ll be remembered for her generosity with a purpose, her view of the future while honoring the past, her glamour with a sense of passion and providing support for the community that will extend decades into the future.”
Tas Steiner, Founder And President, Whispering Angels Of Saratoga Springs
“Growing up locally—and as a longtime patron of Saratoga Springs’ racetrack, SPAC, restaurants and stores—I had the pleasure of seeing Marylou Whitney do what she did best from the 1970s through the 2010s. She had an uncanny ability to bedazzle us all while simultaneously raising important funds for numerous charities and community support groups. Marylou Whitney had the power to bring thousands together; her contributions to Saratoga were unparalleled; and her legacy in Saratoga will last for centuries to come.”
John Hendrickson, Her Husband
“Marylou fell in love with Saratoga Springs because of the people. Thank you for giving her a wonderful life.”
Homeland (2011-present) The last episode of Season 1 is the finest hour of television I’ve ever witnessed. Period.
Veep (2012-19) Julia Louis-Dreyfus is the best comedic actress in recorded history.
Jane The Virgin (2014-19) Sweet, sad, bilingual, sappy, sexy, funny—perfect.
Theater:
The Book Of Mormon (2011) The South Park creators unleashed on Broadway? Yes!
Cabaret (2014) Alan Cumming scorches in the best musical revival of the decade.
Hamilton (2015) I mean, what is there left to say about the single greatest theatrical achievement ever?
Book:
Gone Girlby Gillian Flynn (2011) It lands as softly as a feather and leaves us with characters we can’t let go of easily.
Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) There are no words to explain how much I love this book, this woman and how sad I am she’s not running for anything in 2020.
Mama’s Boy by Dustin Lance Black (2019) The hero of Oscar-winning Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black’s memoir is his slightly homophobic, handicapable Mom, Anne—and I friggin’ love her. You will, too.
Album:
Lemonade (2016) by Beyoncé OK ladies: Are you in formation? Um, the don’t-mess-with-Queen B album is as brilliant as it is a cautionary tale for all cheating men: Who rules the world? Girls. Duh.
1989 by Taylor Swift (2014) The sheer gorgeousness of the choruses and precision of the lyrics make this damn near a pop masterpiece.
25 by Adele (2015) Have more heart-wrenching words ever been sung more powerfully and convincingly?
‘Ex Machina’
Abby Tegnelia, Publisher
Film:
Ex Machina (2014) The very first time I was truly haunted by the idea of AI—and how soon it would become a reality.
Spotlight (2015) Great story and great timing, just as people (including me) were wistful about the state of traditional media. And its Best Picture upset won me my Oscar pool.
Life Of Pi (2012) What really happened, though?
TV:
Orphan Black (2013-17) Tatiana Maslany’s characters are a sci-fi game of Whack-A-Mole in this clone-packed thrill ride, anchored by a powerful cast of supporting actors.
90 Day Fiancé (2014-present) There are, like, 18 spinoffs at this point, and I watch every single one of them.
Game Of Thrones (2011-19) I loved the books long before HBO announced its series, so throw in eight years of Sunday night viewing, and that’s one very long-term obsession.
Theater:
Hello, Dolly! (2017) Bette Midler movies were my favorite as a kid, so when she joined Hello, Dolly! I got to NYC as soon as I could.
Dear Evan Hansen (2015) Since I do social media for a living, this one hit home.
Beautiful (2013) I was sad to hear it closed this fall; if you’re a Carole King lover and missed it, shame on you!
Book:
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2015) An epic tale of survival, this novel follows two sisters as they become very different types of heroes in World War II France.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (2013) I’m a sucker for books about fate; this one’s many different endings morph into a think piece on whether life-changing moments alter your ending, or just how you get there.
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) I’m obsessed with true crime and was living in California when it came out, so this masterfully written book (finished and published posthumously) about the Golden State Killer was a no-brainer pick for me.
Album:
Uncaged by Zac Brown Band (2012) Americana at its romantic best, the album’s “The Wind” and “Goodbye In Her Eyes” are songs I can listen to over and over again.
In The Lonely Hour by Sam Smith (2014) His angelic voice and emotional depth deftly make the despair and heartbreak of one night stands and cheating relatable to anyone.
x by Ed Sheeran (2014) “Thinking Out Loud” was the ballad of the decade.
Lin Manuel Miranda in Hamilton.
Kathleen Gates, Creative Director
Film:
Black Panther(2018) I love all the Avengers…Wakanda forever!
Amazing Grace (2019) This documentary about the recording of Aretha Franklin’s 1972 live album was finally brought to the big screen.
Birdman(2014) Michael Keaton in anything works for me, but this movie is beyond riveting.
TV:
The Daily Show With Trevor Noah (2014-present) “Trump Twitter Library?” Brilliant.
Homeland(2011-present) A spy thriller with plots that hit dangerously close to, well, home.
The Crown(2016-present) Looking forward to this new sure-to-be-amazing season.
Theater:
Book Of Mormon(2011) Andrew. Rannells.
Hamilton(2015) A revolutionary play about a revolutionary man in a revolutionary time.
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child(2016) Two parts in one day. Two thumbs Wingardium Leviosa-ed.
Book:
A Constellation Of Vital Phenomenaby Anthony Marra (2014) So vivid and heart-wrenching. It gives you the sense of living in constant war and turmoil. It’s difficult to read, but the writing is so good you can’t put the book down.
Between The World And Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) A must read. Actually required reading for all parents.
The Signature Of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert (2013) Who knew botany could be so sexy?
Album:
Homecoming: The Live Album by Beyoncé (2019)
Lemonadeby Beyoncé (2016)
Beyoncéby Beyoncé (2013) All Beyoncé. All the time.
‘Stranger Things.’ (Netflix)
Will Levith, Executive Editor
Film:
Skyfall(2012) A James Bond theme song by Adele, a Bond villain played by Javier Bardem and Bond himself, Daniel Craig, at peak badassery.
The Social Network (2010) A two-hour-long account of why Facebook Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is a total creep.
Room 237 (2012) The ultimate The Shining fanboy documentary. Scary good.
TV:
Breaking Bad (2008-13) A truly epic TV series that will never be bested.
Stranger Things (2016-present) Stranger Things: scary, funny and witty all at the same time—my TV Holy Trinity.
The Americans (2013-18) I took cello lessons at Skidmore College right after the guy who wrote the show’s score (i.e. Nathan Barr). ’Nuff said.
Theater:
Hamilton (2015) A longtime Brooklyn resident, I never got to see Hamilton on Broadway, but it was just as good as I always dreamed it would be at Proctors.
Book Of Mormon (2011) So hilarious, I saw it twice: once on Broadway, once at Proctors. I loved every maggots-on-my-scrotum minute of it.
Dear Evan Hansen (2015) Rarely have I ever sought out songs from a Broadway musical after the fact and relistened to them. Evan Hansen’s soundtrack is soo catchy.
Book:
Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris (2014) Fellow journalist Dan Harris’ Ten Percent Happier changed my life. It comes highly recommended.
A Visit From The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2011) “I know, authoritatively, that thinking you can’t do it has absolutely nothing to do with what you actually can or can’t do,” responded Jennifer Egan, when I told her, during an interview, that this book made me think “I will never be able to write as good as this.”
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan (2016) Reading Barbarian Days and listening to The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ Safari” will make anybody want to go surfing.
Album:
Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves (2018) Top to bottom, Golden Hour is an absolute country-pop masterpiece.
Southeastern by Jason Isbell (2013) Its album-opener, “Cover Me Up,” is one of the greatest love songs ever written.
Get Thereby Minor Alps (2013) This album (and a lot of meditating) got me through a particularly tough time in my life. Ohm yeah!
‘Chernobyl’ (HBO)
Natalie Moore, Managing Editor
Film:
Captain Fantastic(2016) So impactful I started reading Noam Chomsky, per Viggo Mortensen’s character’s recommendation.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) A worthy finale to the epic series that defined my generation.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Better than the first and as good as the book, this sequel still makes my heart throb, more than six years later.
TV:
Veep(2012-19) Every character in Veep would be my favorite character in any other show.
Queer Eye(2018-present) I’m let down every time I go home and don’t have a new episode to watch. Also, JVN.
Chernobyl(2019) Right on the heels of the Game Of Thrones Season 8 letdown, this miniseries restored my faith in HBO being the best in the biz.
Theater:
I literally went to zero plays in the 2010s—sue me.
Book:
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2011) Easy to read and hard to put down.
Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) by David Sedaris (2017) A genius stream of consciousness.
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green (2012) This beautifully written book made me seriously question my 16-year-old life.
Album:
Pure Heroine by Lorde (2013) Every song on Pure Heroine is totally different and still totally Lorde.
San Cisco by San Cisco (2012) Catchy, upbeat, can’t-stop-yourself-from-smiling (-or-am- I-crying?) music.
The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2012) “Thrift Shop” was the soundtrack to my senior year of high school.
Childish Gambino
Jeff Dingler, Senior Writer
Film:
The Breadwinner (2017) This film expertly weaves breathtaking animation and intricate storytelling into an incredible tale about an Afghani girl forced to disguise herself as a boy in order to earn money after her father is abducted by the Taliban.
Get Out (2017) As a horror movie, Get Out is one of the best in recent decades; as a statement on race in America, it’s absolutely timeless.
Coco (2017) A dazzlingly colorful Pixar movie based around the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos? What more could you ask for?
TV:
Rick And Morty (2013-19) Wubba lubba dub dub! This animated show about an eccentric (and blotto) mad scientist might just be one of the most brilliant and mind-bending television comedies ever written.
Orange Is The New Black (2013-19) This Netflix show about a women’s correctional facility in Upstate New York simply has it all: riveting drama and great comedy, all while tackling real social issues.
Game Of Thrones (2011-19) OK, the last season was a letdown, but I still love rooting for the Mother of Dragons (pre-burning of King’s Landing, of course). Dracarys!
Theater:
Hamilton(2015) Yeah, this pick is obvious, but the music’s just too good, and as a history buff, I can never get enough of our founding fathers rapping and bursting into song.
The Book Of Mormon(2011) Sure, it’s deeply irreverent (and vulgar), but The Book Of Mormon also has a catchy and equally funny soundtrack.
Ellen West (2019) This one’s actually an opera, but it’s an absolutely phenomenal and groundbreakingwork probing one woman’s struggles with an eating disorder. And it had its world premiere this past summer at Opera Saratoga.
Book:
The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell (2010) There’s no better contemporary fiction stylist than David Mitchell (Cloud Atlas), and this novel, set in 18th-century Japan, is simply a stunning, Zen-like literary masterpiece.
The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Rinton and Laura Love Hardin (2018) This true story about an innocent man on death row in Alabama is one of the most harrowing books I’ve ever read and makes a compelling case against capital punishment.
Lincoln In The Bardo by George Saunders (2017) Only Syracuse professor George Saunders could’ve written such a bizarre and beautiful novel about the passing of our 16th president’s son, William Wallace Lincoln, during the height of the Civil War.
Album:
Matangi by M.I.A. (2013) Both lyrically and musically, this is the most complex and cutting-edge album by one of my all-time favorite hip-hop artists.
Traces Of You by Anoushka Shankar (2013) My sitar hero, Anoushka Shankar, and her half-sister, Norah Jones (who was one of the headliners at SPAC’s Saratoga Jazz Fest this past summer), teamed up to honor their late father, sitarist Ravi Shankar, with one incredible album fusing jazz, pop and Indian classical music.
“Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino (2016) Even if this album contained only the smash hit single “Red Bone,” it would still be on my top three; Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) is just a genius!
That clunker or classic car gathering dust in your garage? We’ve got just the place for it. The Saratoga Automobile Museum is reviving its Donate A Vehicle Program, which takes donated cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs and boats off your hands and either adds them to the museum’s collection or auctions them off to help fund educational programming. “We’re grateful that the local community continues to support the museum and its mission,” says Carly Connors, executive director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum. “Our Donate A Vehicle Program is another way for people to help fuel our educational programs by donating vehicles that they no longer need or use.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is currently accepting vehicles of all makes, models and ages. In fact, an automobile’s age and road-worthiness don’t even factor into a potential donation’s assessment. The revived program already received its first donation earlier this year: a black 1955 Ford Thunderbird. That classic car sold for more than $20,000 during last September’s Saratoga Auto Auction, which serves as the museum’s largest single fundraiser.
For those interested in making a vehicle donation to the Saratoga Automobile Museum, all you need is a clear, signed title and some current photos of the vehicle. For more info on donations, click here.
There may be a foot of snow on the ground across Saratoga Springs, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about next year’s track season. Earlier this week, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) officially announced the racing schedule for the 2020 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course. Get ready for another longer meet, racing fans,as next summer’s season will mirror the tweaked, eight-week 2019 schedule, kicking off on Thursday, July 16 and running through Labor Day, September 7.
“The changes we made to the 2019 season received an overwhelmingly positive response from our horsemen, fans and the community,” says NYRA CEO and President David O’Rourke. “We asked the local and racing communities for their feedback to these changes following the conclusion of the meet. Given their support, and to maintain consistency and stability for our fans and stakeholders, we will conduct a similar racing schedule in 2020.”
The schedule change was apparently a big hit, as NYRA reported that the 2019 meet, which included the historic 150th running of the signature Travers Stakes, received record-breaking amounts of wagering (more than $700 million in all-sources handle). Also, for the fifth year in a row, paid attendance at the track exceeded one million fans.
The racing schedule at Saratoga Race Course had originally been augmented to make up for the construction of a hockey arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY that would’ve disrupted the racing season there. To compensate for this, the 40-day schedule at Saratoga Race Course was extended by one week, offering eight weeks of stakes races (instead of the customary seven) every Wednesday through Sunday with dark days falling on Mondays and Tuesdays.
NYRA will release a full 2020 stakes schedule at Saratoga Race Course in the near future.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Steve Asmussen will receive a stay of a 30-day suspension recently handed down by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for two positives for a regulated sedative while he appeals the penalty, according to the commission’s executive director.
Marc Guilfoil, the KHRC’s executive director, said on Wednesday morning that he informed Asmussen’s attorney during a phone call on Tuesday night that a stay will be granted. The commission typically grants stays of penalties for violations that do not involve drugs that have no clear medical purposes for a horse.
Asmussen, who is based in Kentucky but has operations in several states, was set to serve the 30-day suspension beginning on Dec. 20, running through Jan. 18 of next year. He was also fined a total of $3,500 for the two overages, according to rulings, and both horses were disqualified from their races, with the purses redistributed.
The two positives were detected in horses that won races in Kentucky last year, on June 28 at Churchill Downs and Oct. 25 at Keeneland. The tests revealed the presence of metabolites of acepromazine, a sedative that is commonly used to calm horses for travel purposes, the administration of injections, and shoeing.
The threshold for the drug is 10 nanograms per milliliter. In the case involving the June 28 race, Thousand Percent tested for a level of 76 nanograms per milliliter, according to the KHRC ruling. After the Oct. 25 race, Boldor tested positive for a level of 17 nanograms per milliliter.
Clark Brewster, Asmussen’s attorney, said on Wednesday that protocols in Asmussen’s barn indicated that the acepromazine could not have been administered within “eight or nine days” of the races that the horses ran in. He also said that the acepromazine was administered orally, and that the metabolite detected in the post-race tests, which is called 2-1-Hydroxyethyl Promazine Sulfoxide (HEPS), could linger in a horse’s system for much longer than the 48-hour withdrawal guideline published by the KHRC.
“This is a metabolite that is incredibly resilient and aberrational,” Brewster said. “It could linger for a month or more.”
Brewster also said that the KHRC’s rules do not contain a specific reference to the HEPS metabolite as the foundation for a penalty, but rather simply refer to acepromazine, which was not detected in either of the samples.
Brewster said that Asmussen could have accepted the penalty but he felt that Kentucky regulators needed to take a closer look at how acepromazine is regulated to prevent similar cases in the future.
“He could have worked something out here, but we really think this is something that needs to be looked at,” Brewster said.
Great biscuits and gravy! Some more great Southern-style cooking is coming to the Capital Region later this winter. Albany’s Southern-inspired eatery The Cuckoo’s Nest is planning to open a sister restaurant called The Nest on State Street in Downtown Schenectady. The new restaurant, which is expected to open in February or early March, will feature some classic dishes from The Cuckoo’s Nest, as well as quite a few new creations focusing on delicious Southern sides and veggies.
“The menu will probably be split 50-50 between new stuff and some Cuckoo’s Nest favorites that have been on the menu since it opened,” says Kaytrin Ziemann, who, along with her husband, Devin, co-owns The Cuckoo’s Nest and Crave, a fast-casual burger and frozen yogurt spot also in Albany. The new venture’s menu will include Cuckoo’s Nest favorites such as its famous biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes and, of course, fried chicken. It will also include some new creative fare such as spicy creole mussels, smoked eggplant with peanut dukkah (an Egyptian nut and spice dip) and a variety of different biscuit choices.
The Nest will also feature different decor from its Albany location. “Cuckoo’s is very farmhouse style, like grandma’s house with these cute little mismatched china plates,” says Ziemann. The new Schenectady spot, which will seat around 120 when its complete, will still have that cuckoo-like vibe, but with more intimacy, plus lots of greenery and bright emerald colors. “It’ll be really cool for a date night or a girl’s night out,” says Ziemann.
The Ziemanns are mainstays on the local food scene—and actually met at Johnny’s restaurant in Schenectady. Devin had been working there as a chef and Kaytrin, who’d gone to college for dietetics and food service management, as a waitress. The two bonded over their shared love of food. “We only knew each other for five months when we signed the lease for Crave in 2015,” says Ziemann about opening their first restaurant together.
Though the Ziemanns have made their mark, regionally, creating delicious Southern food, both were actually born and raised in the Capital Region. “I can’t tell you how many customers ask if the chef’s from the South,” says Kaytrin, a Schenectadian by birth, of her husband’s cooking. “But I’m like, ‘No, he’s from Altamont.'” Back in 2017, when the culinary duo were brainstorming on a theme for a second restaurant, they took a cross-country road trip for inspiration. “Everywhere we went, we were really drawn to Southern food,” says Ziemann. By November of the same year, The Cuckoo’s Nest was a reality.
Two years later, the Ziemanns are full speed ahead on their new Schenectady location. “I was never worried that we were going to be successful because anything Devin makes is going to be great,” says Kaytrin. “And luckily people agree with me.”
