tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249158002024-03-13T21:22:54.591-07:00Save The Victoria Pool SocietyFounded 2003save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.comBlogger706125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-69726492862846336902015-06-10T22:21:00.003-07:002015-06-10T22:21:32.331-07:00Saratoga Race Course hopes to attract Triple Crown winner American Pharoah<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.6520004272461px; margin-bottom: 11.326px;">
In a place where images of horses appear on everything from T-shirts to public artwork, the prospect of the first Triple Crown winner in two generations racing at Saratoga Race Course this summer has the locals in an American Pharoah frame of mind.</div>
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“I was in two coffee shops this morning and I couldn’t get through them without people saying, ‘Do you think there’s any chance?”’ Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said Tuesday. “This horse is a rock star.”</div>
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The nation’s oldest thoroughbred racetrack has history on its side, but fans here and elsewhere in the racing world shouldn’t bet the house on the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years racing at Saratoga.</div>
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For American Pharoah’s next race, trainer Bob Baffert and owner Ahmed Zayat may skip a trip to the Adirondack foothills in favor of the Jersey Shore, home to Monmouth Park, or they could return the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont winner to Southern California, where Baffert is based.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;">Saratoga has at least one possible option, and maybe two for the horse’s handlers: the Aug. 1 Jim Dandy Stakes and the Travers Stakes, run on Aug. 29. The $1.25 million Travers is Saratoga’s biggest race, with a history dating back to 1864, the track’s inaugural season.</span></div>
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Named after one of the track’s founders, the race, nicknamed the Midsummer Derby, traditionally attracts the sport’s top 3-year-old horses.</div>
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But “the Spa” has faced stiff competition in recent years from Monmouth’s $1 million Haskell Invitational, run on Aug. 2.</div>
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The New Jersey track has lured some of the biggest names for the Haskell by offering appearance fees to owners and trainers, a practice the New York Racing Association — operator of the Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga tracks — doesn’t follow.</div>
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Zayat has pledged to keep the horse in training, at least through the end of the year, and said he would leave selection of the next race to Baffert, a Hall of Famer whose horses have won seven of the Haskell’s last 14 runnings.</div>
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Baffert’s luck in the Travers hasn’t been as good. He won the 2001 Travers with Point Given, but the horse came out of the race with an injury that ended his career. In four other Travers, his horses finished no better than third.</div>
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Winning a Triple Crown doesn’t guarantee a win at Saratoga, long known as the “Graveyard of Favorites.”</div>
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In the 1930 running of the Travers, 100-to-1 shot Jim Dandy defeated Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox by eight lengths. In the ‘78 Travers, Affirmed narrowly defeated Alydar, second-place finisher in all three Triple Crown. But Affirmed was disqualified and placed second for interference.</div>
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Of the 11 previous Triple Crown champions, only 1941 winner Whirlaway has won the Travers.</div>
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The 1973 Triple Crown champion, Secretariat, was beaten by a horse named Onion in the Whitney Stakes, another prestigious Saratoga race.</div>
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The Jim Dandy and Travers weekends pack Saratoga every year anyway, and adding American Pharoah to either would have a major spillover effect that would benefit the entire area in terms of hotel bookings and other tourism spending, Shimkus said.</div>
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“This hasn’t happened in 37 years,” he said. “For people to be able to see that history, it would be a week-long impact, not just one day.”</div>
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Wherever he winds up racing this summer, American Pharoah could be making the next-to-last start of his career. He’s expected to make his final run in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Kentucky’s Keeneland on Oct. 31 before being put out to stud in the Bluegrass State.</div>
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NYRA spokesman John Durso Jr. said “it’s still too early” to talk about what can be done to convince American Pharoah’s handlers to bring the horse to Saratoga this summer.</div>
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If racing fans had their way, it already would be a done deal.</div>
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“This should be the next step for him,” said Jim Stanley, owner of the Tin & Lint bar in downtown Saratoga Springs. “It would probably be the biggest thing we’ve ever seen. The week leading up to the race, people would be all over the town.”</div>
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If the messages Shimkus received immediately after American Pharoah’s Triple Crown-clinching victory in last Saturday’s Belmont are any indication, New York racing needs to go all out to make it happen.</div>
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“It wasn’t five minutes after the race and I had 10 text messages from people saying we need to do everything we can to get this horse to come here,” he said.</div>
save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-9898358710090229682015-06-10T21:50:00.000-07:002015-06-10T22:22:45.600-07:00Save the Victoria Pool Society is Back!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the Victoria Pool opening of 2015 at last! It was a very long and unusually frosty winter but it is over and summertime will soon be here. </div>
save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-64500441270118911732015-06-10T21:49:00.001-07:002015-06-10T21:50:51.068-07:00Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park opened for the summer season June 6th <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park opened for the summer season last Saturday.</span><br />
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Built in the 1930s, the stately pool in Saratoga Springs will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends through June 21, according to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Beginning June 27, the pool will be open the same hours daily through Sept. 6. Fees are the same as last year – $8 for age 12 and over, $4 for ages 5 to 11 and free for those under five.</div>
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The Peerless Pool at the park opens June 27. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Costs are $2 for those 12 and older, $1 for ages 5 to 11 and free for those under five.</div>
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Also, park officials and community partners will unveil new trail improvements at the park at 10 a.m. Thursday. Information:<br />
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<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Who:</strong> Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Greenbelt Trail, Saratoga PLAN, Parks &Trails New York<br />
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">What:</strong> Recreational trail ribbon-cutting, ceremonial bicycle ride and unveiling new park trail map to celebrate National Trails Day<br />
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">When:</strong> 10 a.m. Thursday<br />
<strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Where:</strong> Trailhead of new bike path along Route 9 N. (follow Gideon Putnam Road past the hotel to the end of the trail)</div>
save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-72606254305655142942014-09-03T12:44:00.001-07:002014-09-03T12:44:27.557-07:00Labor Day 2014 at Victoria Pool. A toast to all our old and new friends who made this another memorable season.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-poYaVFqIQ/VANyCAaHtAI/AAAAAAAABhw/aK1YoeBIVSk/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-poYaVFqIQ/VANyCAaHtAI/AAAAAAAABhw/aK1YoeBIVSk/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" /></a>save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-13779669769268752052014-06-25T15:58:00.000-07:002014-06-25T15:58:20.181-07:00Two senators have secured $500,000 for repairs and renovations to the historic Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park ahead of its full-time opening on Saturday. State senators Kathy Marchione (R-Halfmoon) and Betty Little (R-Queensbury) will join Louise Goldstein and Andrew Jennings – the co-founders of Save the Victoria Pool Society – at 10:30 a.m. Thursday on Roosevelt Drive in the park to announce the half-million dollars in funding from this year’s New York State budget. The money will be used to make improvements to the Victoria Pool and promote the Victoria Pool Society’s 2014 volunteer drive, Marchione said. “We were shocked when we got the call,” said Goldstein of Saratoga Springs, a long time booster of the stately pool built in 1934. “We’re very grateful to Senator Marchione.” The persistent Save the Victoria Pool Society contacted and met with Marchione to explain the needs at the pool, Goldstein said. The group’s efforts in 2003 moved state leaders to provide $1.5 million in funding to fix the pool and keep it open. “Since we got the original money, there really hasn’t been a lot done,” Goldstein said. She said the pool’s once elegant lobby was dirty and empty of furniture, the site’s iron railings were rusting and lots of other work was needed. Constructed in 1934 during the Great Depression, Victoria Pool was the first heated pool in the United States. “This resource needs to be preserved and protected so future generations can experience and enjoy the full beauty of Victoria Pool,” said Marchione, who faces a challenge from former interim Troy schools superintendent Brian Howard, a Democrat from Troy, in November. save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-63689329424598233782014-06-20T06:06:00.000-07:002014-06-20T06:06:15.265-07:00We are still leaping for joy that New York City Ballet will be at SPAC for two weeks in 2015 and will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the greatest ballet company in the world.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Balanchine in Venice.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E3DEufPePg/U6QxEV5QhtI/AAAAAAAABg4/85e11GYQiwA/s1600/mr.+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E3DEufPePg/U6QxEV5QhtI/AAAAAAAABg4/85e11GYQiwA/s1600/mr.+b.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-48731564650925216212014-06-19T16:01:00.003-07:002014-06-19T16:01:57.156-07:00SPAC has announced our cherished New York City Ballet will have a two week season in 2015.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fq_AJK1c9s/U6NrdR5s0aI/AAAAAAAABgo/ona6GN45hns/s1600/moses+ramp+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fq_AJK1c9s/U6NrdR5s0aI/AAAAAAAABgo/ona6GN45hns/s1600/moses+ramp+011.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-47309464328148012172014-06-06T13:02:00.001-07:002014-06-06T13:02:55.475-07:00Victoria Pool to open Saturday, 6/7/14. let the moths out of your bathing suits, folks.<div class="title">
Daily <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_6_0_5">Gazette</a></nobr> article</div>
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Friday, June 6, 2014</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/">http://www.dailygazette.com/</a></b><br /><a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/">See HTML Version of article</a> </div>
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June <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_3_0_2">schedule</a></nobr> is weekends only</div>
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By Justin Mason</div>
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Victoria Pool again opens early</h2>
<span class="dateline">SARATOGA SPRINGS</span> — Fans of the Victoria Pool, get ready to make a splash.<br />
<nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_5_0_4">Saratoga Spa</a></nobr> State Park officials announced they will open the pool on weekends, starting Saturday. The pool will be open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month, then daily starting June 30.<br />
The early start will mark the second consecutive year the state Office of Parks, Recreation and <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_2_0_1">Historical Preservation</a></nobr> has opened the pool the first weekend in June. Last year, the state opened the popular park destination June 1.<br />
Word of the opening was sweet music to Louise Goldstein’s ears. The co-founder of Save the Victoria Pool Society eagerly awaits the opening each year and has tirelessly lobbied park officials to open the landmark earlier than mid- to late June.<br />
Goldstein and her friends make a tradition of catching the first and last day at the pool, plus many others in between. On Saturday, they plan to be there two hours before the pool’s 10 a.m. opening to secure its most precious resources: the forest green lounges and umbrellas.<br />
“We’ll be lining up at 8 o’clock for those white doors to open,” she said Thursday, “then it’ll be a mad dash for the umbrellas and lounges.”<br />
The park’s other pool, the Peerless Pool, will remain closed until June 28. Unlike the predominantly adult crowd that frequents the Victoria Pool, the zero-depth-entry Peerless Pool is typically used by children.<br />
Constructed in 1934, the Victoria Pool was the first heated pool in the country. It is no longer heated but retains its original brick arches and walkways.<br />
A hot spot for New York City Ballet dancers over the years, the pool fell into disrepair during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Goldstein and other fans founded the Save the Victoria Pool Society to push for funding to restore the structure. Then-state parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro committed $1.5 million to restoring the pool in 2005.<br />
The massive overhaul included replacing the pool’s original <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_1_0_0">filtration system</a></nobr>, enhancing its landscaping, installing light fixtures and replacing the pool deck.<br />
The Victoria Pool will receive another $500,000 in funding this year as part of $9.5 million in park improvements announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in April. Plans are for various aesthetic improvements, pool deck repairs, <nobr><a class="FAtxtL" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2014/jun/06/victoria-pool-again-opens-early/?print#" id="FALINK_4_0_3">roof repairs</a></nobr> and improvements to Catherine’s Restaurant, a privately operated business that serves pool-goers and golfers on the adjacent course.<br />
Goldstein still hopes the state will consider opening the Victoria Pool on Memorial Day, when other parks around the region mark the start of the season. But for now, she’ll revel in the thought she and other fans will be basking poolside this weekend.<br />
“Whatever is the magic of the pool, mostly it’s the people and people seeing each other after a long hard winter,” she said.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syzoKLZkUKU/U5C_CYGVEDI/AAAAAAAABfs/_2Z8B1At9Hc/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-syzoKLZkUKU/U5C_CYGVEDI/AAAAAAAABfs/_2Z8B1At9Hc/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Our beloved Victoria Pool is about to begin the 2014 season.</div>
<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-60669172048562077732014-04-27T06:04:00.001-07:002014-04-27T06:04:20.099-07:00Saratoga Preservation Society to honor Park(including your Save the Victoria Pool Society) and Saratoga Room, Saratogian 4/27/14.<h1 class="title entry-title cleanprint-title">
Preservation Matters: Honoring collaborative spirit of Saratoga Spa State Park and its partners</h1>
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<figure><img alt="" src="http://www.saratogian.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/ST/20140427/ENTERTAINMENT/140429718/AR/0/AR-140429718.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667" /> <figcaption> Shown is a 1932 drawing of the Hall of Springs by architect Joseph H. Freedlander, who designed the Beaux Arts style complex of buildings. Dr. Walter S. McClellan was appointed to be the first medical director of the Park in 1931 and served until 1953. <span class="photographer">Dr. Walter S. McClellan Collection of the Saratoga Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library.</span> </figcaption></figure></div>
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Posted: <time datetime="">04/26/14, 5:35 PM EDT</time> <span class="divider">|</span> </div>
<a class="timestamp bylineCommentCount" data-disqus-identifier="saratogian-140429718" href="http://www.saratogian.com/general-news/20140427/preservation-matters-honoring-collaborative-spirit-of-saratoga-spa-state-park-and-its-partners#disqus_thread"># Comments</a> </div>
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<img alt="" src="http://www.saratogian.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/ST/20140427/ENTERTAINMENT/140429718/EP/1/1/EP-140429718.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667" /> <figcaption> The former Bottling Plant, built in 1935, was adaptively reused to be the home of the Saratoga Automobile Museum in 2002. <span class="photographer">Saratoga Automobile Museum</span> </figcaption></div>
<!-- #secondary-media --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- start articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- end articleextrapictureitem7.pbo --> <!-- End Article7.pbo --> <!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy at least one aspect of the Saratoga Spa State Park – whether it is to go for a run, take waters from the springs, enjoy a classic car show hosted by the Saratoga Automobile Museum, go to the farmers’ market, see a performance at SPAC or the Spa Little Theater, check out the different exhibits at the National Museum of Dance, play a round of golf, attend an event at the Hall of Springs, take a mineral bath or, my favorite, spend a beautiful summer day at the Victoria Pool. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The Saratoga Spa State Park is considered one of the crown jewels of the New York State Park system, not only because it is a National Historic Landmark, but because of all it has to offer. What we have at the Saratoga Spa State Park is extra special. “Our park” is host to many different venues and activities not by chance, but because of our community. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The park was established in 1909, following the passage of legislation championed by Spencer Trask, Edgar Brackett and George Whitney to protect the springs that were being depleted by excessive pumping of carbonic acid gas and enable the state to purchase land in order to preserve Saratoga’s spring waters. In 1911, the State Reservation at Saratoga Springs was established. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> What followed was an ambitious plan to create a public health resort to rival those in Europe. In 1915, the Hudson Valley Railroad Station (today the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitors Center) was built to deliver people by trolley to the original Lincoln Bath building, the first building opened to the public for baths. Mineral baths proved to be so popular, the Washington Bath building was constructed five years later. Between the two buildings, 2,500 clients were served daily. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> In 1929, a new Saratoga Springs Commission was appointed by Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt and launched the second phase of development, the creation of a scientific spa that would focus on hydrotherapeutic treatments for a variety of ailments, including cardiac and circulatory disorders, rheumatic conditions, gastrointestinal ailments, nervous conditions, metabolic diseases and non-infectious skin diseases. With the start of construction taking place in 1932 during the Great Depression, the Spa was funded by a $3.2 million grant from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. By 1934, the two Roosevelt Bath buildings, the Simon Baruch Research Institute that included offices, laboratories and an auditorium, the Victoria Pool, the Bottling Plant, Hall of Springs, a nine-hole golf course, and a hotel were built. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> For a time, the baths would remain popular. At their peak in 1946, the four bath houses in the park – Lincoln, Washington and Roosevelt 1 & 2 – gave 200,000 baths annually. The decline of passenger railroad use and the rising popularity of the car forever changed people’s travel habits and destinations. Combined with the impact of medical advances, by the late 1950s the popularity of the baths declined significantly and the state gradually reduced its funding for the park. New York state was left with an extensive campus of buildings that no longer had a use that could underwrite their maintenance. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> In 1961, the idea of bringing a first-class performing arts center was born. Prominent Saratoga natives collaborated with Harold G. Wilm, NYS Conservation Department Commissioner, to bring the idea to fruition. The state would commit $600,000 for site preparation, parking and walkways, if the citizens of Saratoga accepted responsibility for the estimated $1.8 million construction expenses. Members of the community took on the challenge and through a grass-roots effort were successful in creating a preeminent arts institution that is the envy of communities across the country. Not many parks can say that they are host to internationally acclaimed performers, much less serve as the summer home of the world-class New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> What followed in more recent years was a series of other creative collaborations that have allowed the beautiful park that we know today to be preserved and thrive. The park is now not only home to a dedicated staff; it is home to a diverse group of friends and partners that include a variety of nonprofits and private businesses. The park has adapted from its original single purpose, a health resort, to a diverse mix of attractions. According to Alane Ball-Chinian, regional director for state parks, “this extraordinary level of preservation would have not been possible without a vibrant community within such close proximity that has continually demonstrated its commitment to preserving its historic downtown, neighborhoods and parks.”<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The National Museum of Dance and the Saratoga Automobile Museum have each taken historic structures that were no longer serving their original purpose and have successfully adapted them as major cultural destinations. The Friends of the Saratoga Spa State Park and the Save the Victoria Pool Society have been vocal advocates for specific features within the park and have raised funds to assist with projects. The Home Made Theater, Opera Saratoga, New York State Court System, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Waldorf School all make use of buildings that would otherwise remain vacant or under-utilized. Various private businesses have also played a critical role in preserving park amenities such as the Spa Golf Course, the Gideon Putnam Hotel, and the Roosevelt Bath House<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation invites the community member to join Honorary Chair Cheryl Gold, former assistant regional director for state parks and Saratoga Springs Public Library trustee, in recognizing the Saratoga Spa State Park and its many partners and the Saratoga Room with a Spirit of Preservation Award at 6 p.m. Friday, May 9, at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. The award recognizes those who through their vision and dedication have fostered historic preservation efforts in Saratoga Springs and contributed to the overall quality of life in our city. <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> That evening, Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will present the Spirit of Preservation Award to longtime Chair of New York State Parks Saratoga-Capital District Region Commission Heather Mabee, who will accept the award on behalf of the park and its many partners.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> “I’m so incredibly honored to accept this worthy award on the behalf of the park and its partners” Mabee said. Over the years, she has seen the value of these different relationships. “The park is extremely fortunate to have so many of different partners who work together to provide park patrons with a wealth of unique experiences.” <br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> However, according to Ball-Chinian, “the puzzle of public-private partnerships is still not complete.” The state just recently completed a million dollar investment in the long-vacant Roosevelt Bath No. 2 for abatement and to install a new roof and electrical system. “We are ready for the next phase of shared investment to revitalize this magnificent structure and contribute to the park’s appeal as a wonderful multi-faceted destination long into the future.”<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> I hope you will join me as we recognize the Saratoga Spa State Park and its partners for their commitment to preserving the park’s historic resources and contributing to the overall quality of life of our community.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> Tickets are $55 for SSPF members, $65 for non-members, and $40 for those age 40 and younger. The event comprises of an award ceremony and reception with culinary delights from Kim Klopstock’s The Lily and the Rose and cash bar. To purchase tickets or for more information, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call (518) 587-5030.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> Samantha Bosshart is executive director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, a not-for-profit membership-based organization founded in 1977 that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs. www.saratogapreservation.org.<br />
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-2979862997565905082014-04-22T13:58:00.004-07:002014-04-22T13:58:56.036-07:00save the victoria pool society is happy to report good news for our pool. $500,000 for Victoria Pool improvements.<div id="press-logo">
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<strong>Andrew M. Cuomo</strong> - <i>Governor</i></div>
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Governor Cuomo Announces $90 Million to Improve State Parks and Historic Sites Across the State</h1>
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<br /> Albany, NY (<span class="date-display-single">April 22, 2014</span>)<br /><br />Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York State will advance 69 projects to improve and repair 53 State parks and historic sites. The projects are part of a $90 million statewide commitment funded in the 2014-15 State Budget, marking the third year of the New York Works initiative to revitalize New York’s State park system, which will help connect our residents to nature, support recreational and tourism opportunities and demonstrate responsible stewardship of our celebrated state park system.<br />
<br />
“As we celebrate Earth Day, we continue to invest in our parks and historic sites statewide,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York is proud to have the nation’s oldest State park system, and we will continue to do all that we can to preserve and guard these natural resources so that they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”<br />
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Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Not only will this investment continue to make much needed repairs in cherished State Parks large and small, the Governor’s 21<sup>st</sup> century transformation of our park system will enhance our environment, preserve our heritage, connect people with healthy, active outdoor recreation, and rev the engines of local economies.”<br />
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The initiative provides renewed stewardship of New York State’s flagship State Parks, which highlight the State’s most unique natural treasures and are significant tourism destinations. This year’s funding will launch a multi-year $65 million plan to restore the historic and aesthetic grandeur of Jones Beach State Park on the Long Island Coast; continue a $50 million revitalization of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest State Park in the nation; and build a nature center at Letchworth State Park to enhance visits to the spectacular gorge known as “the Grand Canyon of the East.”<br />
<br />
This is the third year of a sustained commitment to revitalize the State park system launched by Governor Cuomo’s New York Works program. The first two rounds of New York Works leveraged a $265 million investment in the park system, making improvements at 81 State parks and sites.<br />
<br />
Senator Betty Little said, "It's fitting that we celebrate Earth Day by celebrating New York State's spectacular park system. These capital dollars are breathing new life into beloved state parks and historic sites, supporting tourism, and helping improve the quality of life in communities across the state."<br />
<br />
Assemblywoman Margaret Markey said, “All New Yorkers will be delighted to see this continuing investment in our public parks and historic sites. I am proud we in the Assembly have helped insure that Governor Cuomo’s New York Works program continues to improve and revitalize our precious natural treasures and recreational resources.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks to Governor Cuomo and the legislature, New York's state parks are benefiting from one of the greatest periods of investment in their history,” said Erik Kulleseid, executive director of the Open Space Institute’s Alliance for New York State Parks. “On behalf of the more than 60 million people who visit state parks each year, we are grateful for the sustained commitment to a fully‐restored, vibrant and inviting state park system.”<br />
<br />
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. A recent study commissioned by Parks & Trails New York found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit <a href="http://www.nysparks.com/">www.nysparks.com</a>, connect on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/NYS-Parks-Historic-Sites/149891320937">Facebook</a>, or follow on <a href="http://twitter.com/NYstateparks">Twitter</a><u>.</u><br />
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The 2014-15 projects are as follows:<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Capital Region: $8.675 million for nine projects in five parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">John Boyd Thacher State Park</td><td width="351">Construct Flagship Visitor Center (Matched with Significant Private Fundraising), Featuring New Exhibits, Multi-Purpose Spaces for Gatherings, and Visitor Orientation Services.</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$3,800,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Peebles Island State Park</td><td width="351">Continue Historic Bleachery Building Stabilization and Restoration</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Olana State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Olana Historic Site Improvements (Carriage Barn Visitor Restrooms, Security System Upgrades, Climate Control Improvements, Tower Woodwork and Painting.)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$950,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Peebles Island State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate South Bridge (Red-Flagged) and Construct Waterline from Cohoes to Peebles Island</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$675,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Saratoga Spa State Park</td><td width="351">Gideon Putnam Hotel Projects, Including Rehabilitation of the Hotel’s Roof</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Saratoga Spa State Park</td><td width="351">Victoria Pool Area Improvements</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Saratoga Spa State Park</td><td width="351">Expand Bike Paths</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$400,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Saratoga Spa State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate the Existing Geyser Creek Building to Serve as an Environmental Education Building</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$375,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Harlem Valley Rail Trail</td><td width="351">Construct 1.2-Mile Trail Extension, Copake Falls to Orphan Farm Road</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$375,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Central New York: $5.2 million for five projects in one park</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Green Lakes State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Pine Wood Campground, Including Building Modern Family-Friendly Bathroom/Shower Facility, Updating Electric Service, and Improving Playground</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Green Lakes State Park</td><td width="351">Park Gateway Improvements, Including Construction of New Park Office, Park Entrance, Park Police Facility, and Creating Safer Traffic Flow</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,900,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Green Lakes State Park</td><td width="351">Improve Park Trails</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Green Lakes State Park</td><td width="351">Sewage Treatment System Improvements (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$200,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Green Lakes State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Golf Course Clubhouse and Pro Shop</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$900,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Finger Lakes: $7.8 million for 10 projects in six parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Letchworth State Park</td><td width="351">Construct New Nature Center (Matched With Significant Private Fundraising) to Educate Visitors about the Park’s Natural History and Environmental Resources</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Sampson State Park</td><td width="351">Construct 16 Full Service Rental Cottages, With Bathrooms, Kitchenettes and Views of Seneca Lake</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,850,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Hamlin Beach State Park</td><td width="351">Yanty Marsh Area Improvements, Including New Picnic Area, Boat Launch and Nature Trail</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$750,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Letchworth State Park</td><td width="351">Reconstruct Castile Park Entrance</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$650,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Ganondagan State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Landscaping and Site Work for New Seneca Art & Education Center (Matched with Significant Private Fundraising)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Letchworth State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Historic Stone Masonry Trails and Stairs (Phase 1)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Letchworth State Park</td><td width="351">Park Roadway Repair & Resurfacing</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Genesee Valley Greenway</td><td width="351">Greenway Trail Improvements</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Letchworth State Park</td><td width="351">Bridge and Road Repairs</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$360,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Sonnenberg Gardens State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Event Space Improvements</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$200,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Long Island: $25.58 million for 11 projects in 11 parks</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Jones Beach State Park</td><td width="351">First Year of Comprehensive Jones Beach Revitalization Initiative</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$10,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Robert Moses State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Field 5 Swimming Beach Bathhouse</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$5,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Robert Moses State Park</td><td width="351">Replace the Park's Drinking Water Treatment Plant (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$3,330,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Hallock State Park Preserve</td><td width="351">Construct Visitor Center, “Green” Parking Area, and Access Road and Trails to Provide Public Access to Undeveloped Park (Matched with Significant Private Fundraising)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$3,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Multiple Parks</td><td width="351">Replace Non-Compliant Cesspools in Belmont, Heckscher, Sunken Meadow, Robert Moses and Wildwood State Parks (Health and Safety Improvements)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Hempstead Lake State Park</td><td width="351">Park Improvements Plan</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Belmont Lake State Park</td><td width="351">Install Energy Efficient HVAC Controls in the Administration Building</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$725,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Bethpage State Park</td><td width="351">Improve Energy Efficiency of the Clubhouse's HVAC System</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$275,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Orient Beach State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Failing Drinking Water Line (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$200,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park</td><td width="351">Construct "Green" Parking Area</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$200,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Multiple Parks</td><td width="351">Tree Planting To Replace Trees Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Mid Hudson: $6.27 million for nine projects in eight parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Rockland Lake State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate the North Swimming Pool Bathhouse</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Harriman State Park</td><td width="351">Continue Renovation Of Children's Group Camps</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">FDR State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Swimming Pool Bathhouse & Entry Plaza</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">James Baird State Park</td><td width="351">Install Golf Course Irrigation System to Improve Playing Conditions</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$670,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Fahnestock State Park</td><td width="351">Continue Improvement of the Canopus Lake Welcome Center</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">James Baird State Park</td><td width="351">Park Drinking Water System Improvements (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$400,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Repair Stone Retaining Wall & Stairs</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$350,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Mills-Norrie State Park</td><td width="351">Hoyt House Historic Preservation Improvements</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Staatsburgh State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Upgrade Basement Electrical System (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Mohawk Valley: $4.645 million for four projects in four parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Delta Lake State Park</td><td width="351">Upgrade the Campground's Water And Electric Systems (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$3,300,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Hyde Hall State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Upgrade Electric And Install Fire Detection/Security System (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$600,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Hudson-Mohawk Trailway</td><td width="351">Replace Otsquago Creek Bridge in Fort Plain on the Erie Canal Trail (Destroyed by 2013 Flood)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Erie Canalway Trail</td><td width="351">Construct 4.6 Miles of Trail to Help Close Gap Between Amsterdam to Pattersonville (State Match of Federal Funds)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$245,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>New York City: $1.95 million for four projects in two parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Riverbank State Park</td><td width="351">Create Improved Park Setting at 145th Street Bridge and Park Entranceway</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$850,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Roberto Clemente State Park</td><td width="351">Begin Development of New Northern Synthetic Baseball and Football Field (Includes Design Costs)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Riverbank State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Ice Rink Building Roof</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$350,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Riverbank State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Buckling Outdoor Basketball Courts</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>North Country: $4.935 million for eight projects in seven parks/sites.</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Wellesley Island State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Outdated Swimming Beach Concession Building, Restrooms and Picnic Pavilion</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Wellesley Island State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Electric System, Drinking Water System, and Roadways in the "F" Campground Area (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$850,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Higley Flow State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Aging, Outdated Swimming Beach Bathhouse</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$850,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Pt. Au Roche State Park</td><td width="351">Improve Boat Dock, Parking, and Mooring Area</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$350,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Jacques Cartier State Park</td><td width="351">Construct Recreational Vehicle Sewage Collection Station (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Westcott Beach State Park</td><td width="351">Upgrade Sewage Treatment System in Plateau Campground (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Rock Island Lighthouse State Park</td><td width="351">Historic Boat House Stabilization and Repairs</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$225,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Black River Trail</td><td width="351">Extend Black River Trail 1 Mile Toward Watertown. (State Match of Federal Funds)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$160,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Southern Tier: $8.25 million for four projects in four parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Watkins Glen State Park</td><td width="351">Complete Redevelopment of Main and North Park Entrances to Improve Aesthetics, Traffic Flow, and Pedestrian Safety</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$5,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Stony Brook State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Failing Drinking Water System (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,250,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Chenango Valley State Park</td><td width="351">Repair and Resurface Park Roadways</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$900,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Taughannock Falls State Park</td><td width="351">Stonework and Masonry Repairs - Gorge and Rim Trails</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$100,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td nowrap="nowrap" width="208"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="351"></td><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="107"></td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="3" nowrap="nowrap" width="665"><div align="center">
<b>Western New York: $19.2 million for eight projects in seven parks/sites</b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208"><i>Park</i></td><td width="351"><i>Project</i></td><td width="107"><div align="right">
<i>Cost Estimate</i></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Niagara Falls State Park</td><td width="351">Continue Niagara Falls Revitalization Initiative, including Landscape Plan Improvements at Terrapin Point and Construction of New Park Police Station</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$9,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">New State Park on Buffalo Waterfront</td><td width="351">Construct New State Park Improvements, Including Comfort Station, Playground, Picnic Pavilions and Landscaping</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$5,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Fort Niagara State Park</td><td width="351">Replace Deteriorated Swimming Pool Bathhouse</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$2,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Allegany State Park</td><td width="351">Rehabilitate Deteriorated Camp Turner Group Camp Cabin Colony</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Long Point State Park</td><td width="351">Connect to Municipal Sewage System (Health and Safety Improvement)</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$1,000,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Allegany State Park</td><td width="351">Repair And Resurface Park Roadways</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">DeVeaux Woods State Park</td><td width="351">Repair and Resurface Deteriorated Park Roads</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$500,000</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td width="208">Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site</td><td width="351">Next Phase: Historic Fort Masonry Repair</td><td width="107"><div align="right">
$200,000</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-11845396458371980392014-02-27T14:11:00.003-08:002014-02-27T14:11:30.932-08:00NYCBallet and SPAC founder, Lincoln Kirstein, was a "Monuments Men".<h1 class="title entry-title cleanprint-title">
‘Monuments Men’ soldier helped start SPAC</h1>
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<figure><img alt="" src="http://www.saratogian.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/storyimage/ST/20140227/NEWS/140229300/AR/0/AR-140229300.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667" /> <figcaption> Ed Burke - The Saratogian 02/20/14 George Balanchine looks over the shoulder of New York City Ballet and SPAC enthusiast Louise Goldstein as she holds a poster of Lincoln Kirstein. Goldstein acquired the posters when the Aldelphi Hotel closed down. <span class="photographer"></span> </figcaption></figure></div>
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By <a href="http://www.saratogian.com/20140227/monuments-men-soldier-helped-start-spac#author1">Paul Post</a>, The Saratogian </div>
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Posted: <time datetime="">02/27/14, 11:09 AM EST</time> <span class="divider">|</span> <time datetime="">Updated: 40 secs ago</time> </div>
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<!--Begin Article7.pbo --> <!-- End Article7.pbo --> <!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> SARATOGA SPRINGS >> One of the U.S. Army’s original “Monuments Men” co-founded the New York City Ballet and was instrumental in the creation of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> Pfc. Lincoln Kirstein (1907-96) joined the army in 1943 and a year later was named to the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives program, charged with recovering and protecting priceless art looted by the Nazis during World War II.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The “Monuments Men” movie, now playing at Criterion Cinemas in downtown Saratoga Springs, features a character based loosely on Kirstein, the ballet’s general director from 1946-89.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> “He was such an important force for arts in this country,” said Louise Goldstein, an avid SPAC booster. “He was here every summer for 30 years. He put ballet on the map in America.”<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> A Monuments Men Foundation website says Kirstein, while studying at Harvard University, established the Harvard Society for Contemporary Art in 1928. Five years later, Russian choreographer George Balanchine came to the U.S. at Kirstein’s invitation and in 1934 they founded the School of American Ballet.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> Shortly after the war, they formed the Ballet Society, which was renamed the New York City Ballet in 1949.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The impetus for SPAC’s foundation started taking shape in 1961, with the goal of it becoming the New York Philharmonic’s summer home. Before long, city ballet became part of the discussions.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> By 1963, the philharmonic had dropped out of the picture.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> “But the project had a momentum of its own,” SPAC’s website says. “New York City Ballet’s co-founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein helped define both SPAC’s physical form and artistic agenda.”<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> The stage floor was specifically engineered for the ballet.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> “Arnold H. Vollmer designed the floor honoring the wishes of George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, making the original floor a design marvel,” SPAC’s website says.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> Kirstein’s contributions to the Monuments Men are now gaining long-overdue recognition with the movie’s release. He and his commanding Monuments program officer, Capt. Robert Posey, recovered numerous masterpieces from the salt mines at Altaussee, Austria.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> A character based on Posey is portrayed by actor Bill Murray in the film.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> SPAC opened in 1966. Kirstein received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1984, the National Medal of Arts in 1985), and with Balanchine, the National Gold Medal of Merit Award of the National Society of Arts and Letters.<br />
<br />
<!-- end articleparagraph1.pbo --><!-- start articleparagraph1.pbo --> “He was one of the most important people in this country for decades in the arts,” Goldstein said. “He saved art for the world during World War II.”</div>
</section>save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-4452687878116347212014-01-21T12:49:00.004-08:002014-01-21T12:49:52.065-08:00winter 2014 at Victoria Pool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-79376631266980240992013-11-13T14:37:00.001-08:002013-11-13T14:37:14.352-08:00recent gazette editorial urging SPAC to reinstate longer season for New York City Ballet.<h1>
Bravo to SPAC for sticking with the arts </h1>
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Saturday, November 2, 2013</div>
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Marcia White, president and CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, has taken her share of criticism for the incredible shrinking New York City Ballet summer residency, which on her watch has gone from three weeks to two to one this year (in dance terms, about the size of a ballerina’s waist).<br />
It’s not all her fault — the ballet company wants more money, which SPAC currently does not have — but it’s a big cultural loss to the Capital Region, and an economic one to Saratoga Springs. Fortunately, White still seems committed to a multiweek residency for NYCB in 2015 (after another one-week stay next year), and to the arts in general.<br />
Some cases in point. After finding out in 2012 that NYCB would again be cutting back, White signed up two other companies, National Ballet of Canada and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, for three performances each this summer. Although neither was up to NYCB’s illustrious standards, they were good. But, perhaps predictably, they weren’t big draws. Another, more popular dance company, Momix, filled the house for one performance; but they do “dance illusion” (a multimedia spectacle with lights and props), not ballet.<br />
And for the coming year, White hit a home run, landing one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious companies, the Bolshoi Ballet, which will be on a three-stop tour of the United States. They’ll give four performances of “Don Quixote,” and can also be expected to pack them in.<br />
The same with David Finckel and Wu Han in the Spa Little Theater. They aren’t dancers but world-renowned musicians — Finckel a cellist and Han a pianist — with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Next year they and their group (which they also serve as artistic directors) will start an annual summer residency in Saratoga, the group’s first such arrangement anywhere. Finckel and Han, who already have a following in the Capital Region thanks to their frequent appearances at the Union College concert series, will make an already good SPAC chamber music summer program an exceptional one.<br />
We’re glad to see that SPAC remains committed to the classical arts, but it must continue to shoot for top quality. In dance, that means NYCB. SPAC’s management has to find ways, whether fund raising, sponsorships or wine and food festivals like the successful one held this year, to get the wherewithal to bring the company back for more than a week each summer.<br />
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-81400914533608739792013-10-19T08:09:00.002-07:002013-10-19T08:09:46.954-07:00SPAC worried about competition coming.<h1>
Casinos a concern to area arts venues</h1>
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Coalition seeks limits on new facilities</h2>
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Friday, October 18, 2013</div>
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By <a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/justin-mason/">Justin Mason</a> (<a class="contactlink" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/justin-mason/contact/">Contact</a>) <br />Gazette Reporter </div>
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<a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/photos/2013/jun/26/52825/"><img alt="Proctors is among a group of regional arts venues to join together to express concern over the possible impact of proposed new casinos." class="link" src="http://media.dailygazette.com/img/photos/2013/06/26/ProctorsfrontMarquis_t300_b1-black.jpg?7f0142676ba7e031e0ea69aef556fe8a1a5a9db3" /> </a> <div class="photographer">
Photographer: <a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/marc-schultz/"> Marc Schultz </a> </div>
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Proctors is among a group of regional arts venues to join together to express concern over the possible impact of proposed new casinos.</div>
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<span class="dateline">CAPITAL REGION</span> — Proctors in Schenectady was closing in on a decision on whether to form a partnership with the Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs last spring when the Saratoga Casino and Raceway made a bombshell expansion announcement.<br />
A two-part feasibility study conducted by Proctors over the winter determined the former Universal Baptist Church — with a potential 800-person capacity — could serve as a niche entertainment facility in the Spa City and help fill the gaps left by other venues around the Capital Region. Then the racino announced an ambitious plan to build a 24,000-square-foot event center as part of a $30 million expansion.<br />
The project was announced as Saratoga Springs appeared to be a logical location for one of three proposed live-table game casinos, pending a state constitutional amendment legalizing Las Vegas-style gambling. Then, when state legislators adopted a plan that all but assured the Capital Region one of the four casinos, Proctors decided to put on hold any decision regarding a collaboration with the hall.<br />
Simply put, November’s referendum and the possibility of having a new entertainment venue in the area leaves too much up to chance. Philip Morris, Proctors’ chief executive officer, fears the establishment of casinos with entertainment facilities will have a notable effect on mid-sized venues like the hall and others throughout the state.<br />
“We have our concerns about the casinos,” he said. “They’ll have an impact on Universal Preservation Hall and other entertainment facilities.”<br />
Now, more than a dozen arts and entertainment venues from across the state are grouping together to call for limitations on casinos that would prevent them from having a negative impact on surrounding facilities. The Coalition for a Fair Game is proposing a series of protections that would limit the capacity of casino-based entertainment venues to 1,000 seats, establish long-term limits on expansion of those facilities, and require casino bidders to reach partnership agreements with each facility within close proximity to establish exclusivity terms, among other things.<br />
The coalition includes a number of area entertainment facilities, including Proctors, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Saratoga City Center, Albany’s Palace Theater and the Times Union Center. The group is planning an announcement Tuesday, just two weeks before voters head to the polls to decide on legalized live table gaming.<br />
The coalition isn’t anti-casino, Morris said. Rather, the group wants to start a discussion about the potential impacts such facilities could have on nearby venues.<br />
Marcia White, SPAC’s executive director, has been vocal about her concerns over the impact the casinos could have on entertainment facilities in the Capital Region. She fears having a competing entertainment and conference center — such as the one proposed at the racino — could create financial problems for existing venues.<br />
“It’s something that our communities should all be aware of,” she said.<br />
Racino executives are of the opinion that the planned expansion and potential for live table games won’t have a negative impact on facilities like SPAC. Earlier this week during a forum on casino gaming in Saratoga Springs, racino director James Featherstonhaugh said the only negative impacts of siting a casino in the Spa City would be the same ones that come with any other major business expansion.<br />
“The big change is it will bring more people into Saratoga who otherwise wouldn’t be here at all,” he told a crowd of about 50 people Monday.<br />
Racino spokeswoman Rita Cox said the venue would look to work with neighboring concert halls, but played down the notion that the proposed 24,000-square-foot “multi-purpose space” would impose a hardship on existing facilities. She said the space would likely attract acts and events that wouldn’t otherwise come to the region.<br />
“Quite frankly, most of the things we’re going to be bringing in are going to be different events with a different appeal,” she said.</div>
save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-51256344784026879662013-10-19T07:28:00.002-07:002013-10-19T07:28:13.773-07:00saratogian, 10/19/13, NYS Parks puts in $900,000 parking lot at SPAC. How about giving us our lawn back?SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Work has begun on a $900,000 project to repave Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s parking lot and related roadways.<br />
Plans call for repaving and restriping all roadways and parking spaces, installing new landscaping at the entryway and throughout the parking area, and adding new handicap-accessible parking spaces near the box office.<br />
In addition, 420 parking spaces will be paved with porous asphalt and new drainage systems will be installed to improve stormwater filtration to protect local water quality. <br />
“The crumbling parking lot outside of SPAC — one of upstate New York’s most popular summer destinations — will no longer be a visible sign of the deterioration of our park system,” state parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said in a statement. “We are reversing years of neglect. The improvements will improve traffic flow, incorporate new sustainable features and provide a more welcoming experience for park visitors.”<br />
The project was awarded to Albany-based Luizzi & Brothers Contracting, which submitted the lowest competitive bid among eight firms.<br />
Work is scheduled for completion in time for the 2014 SPAC season. The contract also includes resurfacing two parking lots in the Geyser Picnic Area within Saratoga Spa State Park. This job will incorporate porous asphalt, too.<br />
The project is the latest in a series of upgrades at Spa State Park. Last spring, outdated parking lot lighting was replaced with new, efficient LED fixtures to reduce energy consumption.<br />
The improvements are part of a statewide revitalization of the parks system. Last year, the state authorized $89 million under a “NY Works” program to fund more than 100 overdue projects at 55 parks and historic sites.<br />
This year, a second round of $90 million is making possible another 90 projects at 50 state parks and historic sites across New York.<br />
Saratoga Spa State Park attracts more than two million visitors per year.<br />
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites.<br />
For more information, call (518) 474-0456, go to: www.nysparks.com or follow on Facebook or Twitter.<br />
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-80119011238862324182013-10-16T07:52:00.002-07:002013-10-16T07:52:29.221-07:00Fall 2013 is descending on our magnificent Victoria Pool.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-6257383859518380922013-10-15T14:07:00.002-07:002013-10-15T14:07:52.198-07:00Roosevelt II across from the Roosevelt I bathhouse is currently being worked on. This is the first time in decades we have seen this at Saratoga Spa State Park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we hear there is work going on inside the building but we do not know why.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppeskEB3BQs/Ul2uZiLj34I/AAAAAAAABcw/ZP0HTAqRx5M/s1600/IMG_0515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppeskEB3BQs/Ul2uZiLj34I/AAAAAAAABcw/ZP0HTAqRx5M/s320/IMG_0515.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-32749659384020752462013-10-02T15:41:00.000-07:002013-10-02T21:25:20.558-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Victoria Pool opened July 26, 1935 and was known as the Recreation Center at Saratoga Spa State Park. It was also known as the Pool in the Pines, the Spa Pool and later as the Victoria Pool as it is called today.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2006 Dr. L. Hoge(pictured on the right)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wrote the following narrative of the time he worked as a lifeguard at the Victoria Pool shortly after it opened in the 1930’s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The identity of the little boy in the picture is not known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Hoge died on May 4, 2012 at the age of 96 in Saratoga Springs. This is a hand written account kept in the Victoria Pool file in the Saratoga Room at Saratoga Springs Public Library :<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For two seasons 1937 and 1938 I was a Guard at the Victoria Pool, New York State Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The experience which I acquired on this job benefited me a great deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned how to direct and relate to people in an authoritative manner but always in a way that they would respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting many types of individuals was interesting and enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fortunate to have this job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was a Guard, Mr. Edwin LaDue was Director of the Pool and his assistant was Ralph Gutchel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were strict but fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were two guards, Bill Brenan and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>locker room was posted a list of rules and regulations which we were to enforce assiduously, no exceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food consumption and glassware were allowed only outside the barrier protecting the pool area and no smoking near the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph Escobar was in charge of the pool water treatment system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The filtration and chemical controls were maintained first class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rhemi Denton was my age and worked the Solarium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack Wilpen was in the Golf House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a hustler, always with a pencil behind his ear and he kept us informed as to action in his area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During WWII Jack was an Army Officer and had very interesting duty in Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bill and I came on duty at 9am and the first work was clean and sweep down the pavement around the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next we used gear for vacuuming the inside of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since on the previous day swimmers were often diving for coins many of which settled in the deeper 10 foot area, we retrieved all coins and saved them in a jar and divided the loot at the end of the season. Finally we applied 5% solution hydrochlorite solution to pavement adjacent to the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pool was not open until 10am and so having completed our work, we would take a shower and a swim, and then sitting on a poolside bench we comment how fortunate we were. There were colorful flower beds on four sides of the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Relaxing classical music was being played and the whole peaceful scene was like another world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the doors opened at 10am the guests came rushing in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rude and raucous actions were not allowed and if it did occur then that was when our whistles would be piping and order would be maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were always some who try diving off the side of the diving boards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This could be very dangerous and we were very emphatic about this not being done.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were many pool visitors whom I had the privilege to meet and being 22 yrs. Old I was impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bob Pastor was at the pool regularly during the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He attended New York University where he was on the boxing team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me the boxing coach would have been upset if he knew Bob was swimming so much which he enjoyed. Boxers need hard firm muscles, exactly opposite of swimmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Bob went on to become a heavy weight boxer and fought Joe Louis for the championship, once in New York and again in Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was defeated both times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">George Cassidy was the Starter at New York Racetracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was often at the pool with Bing Crosby who would relate stories concerning film making.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One scene was supposed to be at a south sea island but was actually shot in a studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To have the effect of rippling ocean water reflected on her face an assistant stirred a pan of water to obtain the rippling effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bing said that it was difficult to keep from laughing as he was saying his lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joseph Wheatley was at the pool often and he became a good friend of mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He swam for the New York Athletic Club and held the quarter mile world championship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also swam with Duke Kahznzmaku, Olympic swimmer and famous surf boarder. In 1945 I was in the Navy and an officer on the USS Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and I visited the Duke who took me to the Out Rigger Canoe Club on Waikiki Beach and because of my friendship with his friend, Joe Wheatley, he taught me to ride a surfboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave me this card so I could be his guest at the Out Rigger Canoe Club whenever I was back in Pearl Harbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chauncey Olcott, the famous Irish tenor had a home on Clinton St.,Saratoga. It was called Iniscarra.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chauncey’s daughter, Janet, was at the pool often with her friends who were thoroughbred horse owners from South Carolina. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dr. Baudisch was a scientist doing research work on Saratoga mineral waters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His laboratory was in the Simon Baruch building now the Administration building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came to the pool every day and I got to know him well and appreciate his discussions on his research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marshall Cassidy was a member of the Jockey Club and established a training school for racing Stewards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His daughter was at the pool daily and in later years I was often invited to their home Apple Knoll in Garden City, Long Island.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">We saw Al Jolson often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he was at the Solarium located at the upper level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend, Rhemi Denton attended him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of the season Rhemi was very happy when Jolson gave him a $10 tip.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophie Tucker was an entertainer at Arrow Head Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a large lady wearing a huge white flowing bathing suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would cautiously enter the shallow end of the pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would joke “look the pool is rising ”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New York State Police had a horse mounted division in the state park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When off duty they would come to the Victoria Pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam Rosoff was famous as the builder of New York City subways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At Saratoga he was well known at the gambling rooms of Riley’s, Arrowhead and Piping Rock, and of course he enjoyed the beauty of Victoria Pool always entering through the Golf House with his entourage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Teresa Wright was a young actress in 1937 when she came to Victoria Pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She played backgammon at poolside benches with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1942 Teresa Wright was in the film “ Mrs. Miniver “ with Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon and she became a well known movie celebrity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leo J. Hoge, M.D.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July 21, 2005<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-80886386581670027862013-09-24T06:18:00.003-07:002013-10-02T21:25:35.054-07:00Saratoga Spa State Park in 2013 is literally being trashed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Victoria Pool and SPAC grounds after Farm Aid 2013.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWueAgzfZts/UkGP2nLeNpI/AAAAAAAABbw/ESk711jmR5I/s1600/pool+problems+2013+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWueAgzfZts/UkGP2nLeNpI/AAAAAAAABbw/ESk711jmR5I/s320/pool+problems+2013+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-21284013013903526702013-09-03T05:21:00.000-07:002013-10-02T21:26:29.779-07:00Labor day means no rest for save the victoria pool society.<br />
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Unfinished task</div>
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Society: Victoria Pool still needs saving</h1>
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Members see many repairs still needed</h2>
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Monday, September 2, 2013</div>
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By <a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/bethany-bump/">Bethany Bump</a> (<a class="contactlink" href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/bethany-bump/contact/">Contact</a>) <br />
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<a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/photos/2013/sep/02/55462/"><img alt="The Victoria Pool in Saratoga State Park." class="link" src="http://media.dailygazette.com/img/photos/2013/09/02/victoriapoolslk4_t300_b1-black.jpg?7f0142676ba7e031e0ea69aef556fe8a1a5a9db3" /> </a> <br />
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Photographer: <a href="http://www.dailygazette.com/staff/stacey-lauren-kennedy/"> Stacey Lauren-Kennedy </a> </div>
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The Victoria Pool in Saratoga State Park.</div>
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<span class="dateline">SARATOGA SPRINGS</span> — Louise Goldstein and Andrew Jennings stepped into the lobby of the Victoria Pool, with its marble fireplace and hanging chandelier, big, arched windows and wall lamps in ornate sconces.<br />
“The floors used to shine,” sighed Goldstein. “There used to be lovely couches that people could sit on. The doors were open. The chandeliers, which are magnificent, were actually clean at one time.”<br />
Down a hallway that opens outdoors into an arched brick walkway, they stop.<br />
“Look,” said Goldstein, pointing up at the white ceiling, to a patch where paint has come off in strips and chunks.<br />
A few steps away, Jennings remarks that the metal railings painted black are now rusting and will only continue to disintegrate. Around a corner, he mutters, “This is where it all sort of started,” staring down at cement steps that lead to a bright azure pool where a woman in a cloche hat floats lazily.<br />
The day was forecast for rain and clouds, and she’s the only one in the water. For a moment, it looks like a scene from the 1930s, when the Victoria Pool and its surrounding buildings were constructed.<br />
The cement steps Jennings spoke of are cracked in spots and beginning to crumble in others. They were a lot worse off in 2003, when Goldstein and Jennings created the Save the Victoria Pool Society and lobbied elected officials for money to renovate and restore the beloved pool facilities at the Saratoga Spa State Park. The steps had nearly disintegrated at that point and were deemed a safety hazard.<br />
“They were falling apart and unusable,” said Jennings. “We took photos of them and used them to lobby for restoration.”<br />
At its annual luncheon Monday, members of the Save the Victoria Pool Society met for a farewell party. It was the pool’s last day of the season. They never imagined that 10 years after forming and eight years after getting the pool restored, they would still have work that needs to be done. But they do.<br />
Six months after the group was formed, its efforts paid off. Then-state parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro announced that $1.5 million would be used to restore the pool. Over the next few years, a good portion of that money was used to re-do electrical wiring in the pool complex. Bricks were repainted. New plumbing and pipes were put in. More than $150,000 was used on landscaping alone. The deck was completely torn up and reinstalled. The filtration system was replaced. Fixtures and walkways were restored.<br />
It looked good. The country’s first heated pool no longer had heat, but it had its brick archways, bathhouse, golf house and a long-needed sprucing up.<br />
“It wasn’t nearly enough,” Goldstein said Monday, stepping down onto the pool deck where the once-new stonework has crumbled in the past nine years.<br />
“They didn’t get real cement when they redid this deck,” she continued, “so even though it was brand new 10 years ago, there are now chunks out everywhere.”<br />
Over the winter, part of the bathhouse ceiling leading out to the pool fell, Jennings said. He wondered aloud what would have happened if it had been summer; on a nice day, the pool is usually packed to capacity.<br />
Public safety issues aside, Goldstein and Jennings said the pool has suffered aesthetically since its 2004-05 renovation. The pricey landscaping that was put in — colorful flowerbeds, leafy green trees and shrubbery — is no longer maintained properly. The watering system for the plants broke down a few years ago.<br />
The list of needed renovations goes on, they said. Each summer, the society meets. They take pictures and keep a blog. They write about their hopes for the pool, which they have fond memories of visiting when they were younger. They continue to lobby state parks officials, who couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.<br />
“Their response has been like, ‘What more do you want? You got $1.5 million,’ ” recalled Jennings. “They’ve even come to us and said, ‘Change the name of your organization because the pool’s been saved.’ ”</div>
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-42721527188955707342013-08-28T06:04:00.003-07:002013-10-02T21:26:43.366-07:00Labor Day farewell lunch at Victoria Pool. Monday, September 2, 2013 from Noon on. $12 in ice cream parlor off pool lobby.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-89971658191169051192013-08-26T06:18:00.000-07:002013-10-02T21:26:54.081-07:00victoria pool needs some attention by nys parks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-32809178077979316612013-06-26T13:54:00.002-07:002013-10-02T21:28:00.876-07:00marcia white Q&A in post star, 6/25/13.<div class="gallery-utilities" id="blox-gallery-utilities">
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Marcia White</h1>
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<span class="byline"><a href="http://poststar.com/search/?l=50&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&byline=DAVE%20BLOW--Special%20to%20The%20Post-Star" target="_blank">DAVE BLOW--Special to The Post-Star</a></span></div>
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For the past eight years, Marcia White has overseen operations at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The 64-year-old mother of four took time from her schedule Tuesday to chat about SPAC’s past, present and future.</div>
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Q. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment since taking over as president and executive director in 2005?</div>
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A. (Long pause) I think SPAC feels different. When you come here now, it’s obvious you’re coming to a community — to a community event. You’re unplugging, maybe having a picnic on the lawn. You feel the energy and excitement because it’s the SPAC experience. The experience is more important than what is on the stage and generations will want to come back to SPAC because there’s something very different. To me, it’s a little spiritual almost.</div>
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Q. Which performer made you the most star-struck to meet?</div>
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A. That’s an easy one. First, I don’t get star struck at all. Bruce Springsteen was coming and my daughters were saying “he’s great” and “he’s The Boss.” I said, the boss of what? Then I saw him on stage warming up. I didn’t even see his face and it was like wow. There’s something about that man, the charisma, the energy. All you have to do is look at him.</div>
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Q. Tell me about the greatest day here at SPAC since you took over?</div>
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A. The day we had a press conference in 2005 and were announcing the capital improvement grant with Gov. (George) Pataki and Sen. (Joseph) Bruno. During that time, Marylou Whitney was coming back on the SPAC board and we announced that we had five new donors who each pledged $100,000 for five years. That really was the beginning of feeling that SPAC could make it.</div>
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Q. Of course I always have to ask about the worst day. What day made you cringe or cry or want to quit?</div>
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A. There was a challenging day that turned around into an amazing day. It was the final performance of West Side Story and there was a horrendous storm with torrential rain. We went into the parking lots and told people to stay in their cars, but others were already inside ... We were on stage with big brooms sweeping water off the stage. The New York City Ballet warms up behind the curtain before the show and I said we’re going to raise the curtain. The audience applauded as they warmed and I’m getting goose bumps talking about it. We took adversity and made something great.</div>
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Q. What is in your CD player or on your iPod right now?</div>
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A. I still like Norah Jones. Adele. And what I’ll do is pick up a CD of artists we have coming here and listen to them, like classical pianist Daniil Trifonov. He’s the next hot thing.</div>
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Q. Tell me a neat secret about SPAC that few would know?</div>
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A. We just discovered that that some funding for SPAC came from the horse industry. People would donate stud fees. They were committed to make SPAC work. And John Hay Whitney and Penny Chenery donated part of the sale of Secretariat to SPAC.</div>
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Q. Which performance since 2005 would you consider the most epic?</div>
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A. For me it was (pianist) Van Cliburn coming back. That was our 40th anniversary. He was a household name when he won the Moscow competition and I remember as a little girl watching that on TV. He had a presence you couldn’t believe. He was still very tall, very Texas, and we were coming down to go back stage and he looked at the audience and turned to me and said, “All these people are here for me?” He was still so modest and so endearing.</div>
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Q. What is Marcia White’s guilty pleasure?</div>
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A. Oh, chocolate! Oh, my God. And I love to, when I’m a little stressed, my favorite thing is to go get a Stewart’s make-your-own sundae.</div>
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Q. I notice a lot more country acts. Why is that and do you like country?</div>
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A. I do now. It was my least favorite. I think more and more artists are transitioning to country. Miley Cyrus, the winner of the “The Voice,” Danielle Bradbury. It has a large insurgence now. More people like it, maybe because it’s more story based.</div>
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Q. Why is the ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra important to SPAC?</div>
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A. It’s our legacy and heritage. It’s what sets us apart from other venues. The way SPAC was built by the community, beginning with the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, it’s our legacy and heritage.</div>
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Q. I’ve read great stories about bands demanding bizarre things. Tell me the funniest or most bizarre request you know of?</div>
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A. Off the top of my head, high-quality beef jerky, but I don’t remember who requested it.</div>
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Q. Your kids have to be Brady Bunch-era kids. Did any ever give you the “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” line?</div>
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A. I didn’t get “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,” but I did get a Brady Bunch reference once. At one point in my career, I said maybe it’s time for me to not work so hard and go part time. One of them said, “What is this? Are you going to become the mother of the Brady Bunch and stay home and bake cupcakes. I don’t think so.”</div>
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Q. Few may realize you were a nurse before serving as an aide to Sen. Joe Bruno. How did nursing prepare you for your role at SPAC?</div>
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A. It’s psych nursing. It’s insanity. It’s damage control. But it’s also the discipline that comes with nursing. It’s a fabulous foundation. If you were in a hospital passing meds and someone was having a heart attack, you wouldn’t say “When I get done with my meds, I’ll take care of that.” You drop what you’re doing and solve the problem and then go back and do what you’re doing. That happens every day here. It’s incredibly important to manage that way.</div>
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Q. What was the most powerful lesson you learned from Bruno?</div>
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A. One of the things he taught all of us, the most important thing is to serve the people. Just like our audience is most important now. He said nobody will remember the bills we passed, they’ll remember if they had an issue with their welfare check or Medicare and you helped them with that.</div>
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Q. You orchestrated major renovations here in 2006-07, what plans do you have for the future?</div>
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A. I’d love to have some major plans if the economy turns around ... I’d love to have a new shell for the orchestra, new lighting, more camera projectors and really the ability to use video and technology to project images on a background. It’s incredibly important keeping up with technology. It’s the vision of tomorrow.</div>
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save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24915800.post-14998755913499215512013-06-21T11:59:00.001-07:002013-06-21T11:59:19.172-07:00AT LAST!! victoria and peerless pools will be open 7 days a week from tomorrow, saturday, june 22,2013 from 10am-6pm. HURRAH!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />save the victoria pool societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14167930738796006740noreply@blogger.com0