By Jennifer Farnsworth

As much as Saratoga is famous for its horse racing, it’s equally known for its appreciation of the arts.

The transformation underway at the Universal Preservation Hall is testament to that. According to Teddy Foster,  campaign manager for the renovation project, the entire Capital Region will be able to see, hear and feel that appreciation at what is promising to be a unique entertainment venue. It is expected to have a profound effect on downtown Saratoga.

“This hall, that already serves so many through so many events, will be turning into a spectacular theater that will seat 700,” said Foster.

The building will close in June and will most likely not reopen until the fall of 2018, she said, while construction continues

Foster said they have reached 90 percent of their  $5.5 million fundraising goal. Four years ago, Foster formed a partnership with Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Theater in Schenectady to move the project forward.  Morris said as renovation happens, Foster will become the director at UPH, with programming, finance, marketing and other administration done by Proctors staff.

The construction project “will create a beautiful performance and community space,” said Morris.

Foster said the space will become a perfect spot for music events and cabaret-type shows. She said adding this element of entertainment to downtown will provide a piece that many are looking for.

“This allows a  chance for many to grab a drink or dinner and then be able to walk to a concert or show–all downtown,” said Foster.

Foster said they anticipate the hall to bring in over 65,000 visitors in the first year alone. She said people can expect the same high-quality entertainment they enjoy at Proctors.

By Susan E. Campbell

The iconic Adelphi Hotel, which has graced Broadway in Saratoga Springs since 1877, finally has its grand reopening in view after a three-year process of renovation, restoration and redevelopment.

According to Toby Milde, a partner with Adelphi Hospitality Group, when the consortium purchased the building four years ago it always intended to run the hotel as-is for one season. But then the group would begin rolling out plans to transform the Adelphi into a first-class hotel and destination for guests from around the world.

There were many snags to overcome along the way that delayed reopening for months.

“The project kept growing as we recognized that the structural integrity of the building had been compromised, due to age and to some alterations that had been done by prior owners without the benefit of an engineer,” said Milde.

“We did not want to put a band-aid on this project,” he said. “Rather, the Adelphi had to be surgically fixed and rebuilt.”

The long-range goal was to keep the historic structure operating as a hotel and to bring in “first-class food and beverages to enhance a visitor’s hotel experience,” said Milde. To that end Adelphi Hospitality Group, whose first project was the Salt and Char restaurant next door at 353 Broadway—and who also own a hotel outside Washington D.C.—brought in exceptional international talent to tackle unique challenges, he said.

Phase one of renovation was have the refurbished rooms available to guests, open the restaurants to the public and make available a banquet facility seating up to 190 people.

David Bejou, dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at West Virginia State University and a tenured professor of marketing, was appointed provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Empire State College.

Bejou will be responsible for the academic enterprise of SUNY Empire State, headquartered in Saratoga Springs, including the education of nearly 19,000 students learning at 34 locations throughout the state, at eight international locations, face to face, online and through a blend of all these modes, at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels.

For the past 25 years, he has served public higher education in academic and administrative leadership roles of increasing responsibility and complexity. His nearly 18 years at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities of West Virginia State University; Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, N.C.; and Virginia State University, Petersburg, Va., have provided him with an appreciation for institutional missions. This experience building and accrediting undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees provides a valuable breadth of academic experience, college officials said.

“David Bejou’s record of success in public higher education in teaching, learning, scholarship and research, as well as his commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, make him the ideal individual to lead SUNY Empire as its chief academic officer,” said Merodie A. Hancock, president of the college. “I look forward to working with David, and the entire college community, as we expand on the college’s next 50 years of academic excellence and innovation.”

“I am honored, privileged and elated to join SUNY Empire State College and look forward to working with President Hancock, the college’s senior leadership team, its highly dedicated faculty and staff and motivated students, so that together, we will meet and exceed students’ diverse learning goals,” said Bejou.

Bejou’s appointment is the result of a national search, which was conducted by a college committee comprised of students, faculty and staff. He begins his new leadership role with the college on July 1.

The Capital Fund of Saratoga County Inc. is presenting the 40th Saratoga Springs Horse Show on the grounds of Yaddo. It is the final year of the event at that venue.

“It looks like it will be another good year for the show” said Tom Fueston, president of the Capital Fund of Saratoga County. “With the addition of a third week of competition two years ago, the exhibitors are sharing their joy at being able to spend more time in beautiful, historic Saratoga Springs, often touted as their most favorite stop on their equestrian circuit.”

The venue is located at 305 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs.

Next year the show will move to a new venue, allowing options for future expansion of services to exhibitors. To that end, the management of the Saratoga Springs Horse Show is presently vetting several locations in and around Saratoga Springs for 2018 and beyond.

Competition started on May 3 and takes place Wednesday through Sunday of each week, through May 21. Warm-up and first competitions begins between 7:30-8 a.m. Most competitions are over by 5 p.m.

Daily admission on Friday, Saturday and Sunday is $4 per person, 12 and older. Admission is free on Wednesday and Thursday. The admission booth will be manned by three different charities who will get to keep the admission receipts for their programs—the Saratoga Race Track Chaplaincy; Tears Foundation, Saratoga Chapter; and Angel Names Association of Saratoga.

Each day a “charity of the day” will be selected and all tips and donations given at the food tent, souvenir area and bistro will be given to that charity.

This year the featured events include the $30,000 Saratoga Cup Grand Prix on May 7, the $30,000 David B. Wood Cup Grand Prix on May 14 and the $15,000 Steve and Yvonne Sullivan Cup on May 21. Each of those events will begin approximately 3 p.m.

Cudney’s Launderers and Dry Cleaners Inc. has a new owner, but she is no stranger to the business. 

Joyce Ure, former vice president and general manager, took over as president and owner on April 14. She plans to continue the Cudney tradition of service and community involvement.

“There is no one I would rather see assume my father’s business,” said Lynette Cudney Whaley, former company president and daughter of founder James E. Cudney.  “Joyce works hard to honor our family values. In addition to running the company for the past 10 years, she is active in Saratoga Rotary and the Downtown Business Association.  Giving back to the community will still be a priority for Cudney’s.”

James Cudney, a Saratoga native, entered the laundry business in 1952 when he rented a small location on Lake Avenue that had just four washing machines. The company grew over the years and now has a freestanding plant, four storefronts, two laundromats and a home and business delivery route. 

Lynette and her husband, Dan, had been operating the business since 1997. Ure joined the staff that same year as the assistant bookkeeper. 

According to Dan Whaley, “It became evident right away that she was organized and efficient. Her interest and involvement in day-to-day operations grew and she is now more than qualified to operate on her own.  We are very happy that she is willing to take on this challenge.” 

“I was so proud that Lyn and Dan wanted me to continue the business after their retirement,” said Ure. “Having spent 20 years with them at the helm, I have wonderful examples of how the business should be run and how to give back to the community that supports us.  Being able to join the Downtown Business Association, currently vice president, and being an active member of the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club, that is all thanks to the support and encouragement of the Cudney’s team.”

Ure said she will continue on the path set forth by the previous leadership and stay at the forefront of the technological advancements in the industry and continue in the eco-friendly, community-minded ways of the Cudney and Whaley families.