Tomorrow is the 139th Kentucky Derby and Saratoga Springs is the second best place besides Louisville to watch it. We’ve got the lowdown on the parties you don’t want to miss tomorrow.

The Old Friends at Cabin Creek 3^rd Annual Kentucky Derby Party is from 4 to 8 PM at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame tomorrow. Catering provided by the always delicious Longfellows with a cash bar. Wear your fanciest hat and fanciest tie and enter the “Fancy Hat Contest” & the “Fancy Tie Contest” with celebrity judges Benita Zahn & Ed O’Brien, try your luck in the 50/50 contest and bid to win in the silent auction. New this year, Caricature portraits by artist Phil Singer. Coverage of the race will be showing throughout the Museum on HD televisions courtesy of Best Buy, as well as featured in the Hall of Fame gallery on the Museum’s HD theatre screen. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.

The 3rd Annual Derby Party at Prime at Saratoga National kicks off at 4 with live music, drink specials, multiple flat screens to view the race, a Frivolous Boutique Display, hand rolled cigars, Grand Marnier Lemonade Station, a food concession stand, and more! We popped into this party last year and it was VERY well attended to say the least.

The Lodge aka Siro’s Trattoria is having their Derby party again this year as well after just having reopened for the season. This was the party we were at the longest last year, since they are on the grounds of the Racino you can make live bets at a portable one person manned betting “window”, quite the popular attraction. This spot was also mobbed last year for the Derby with most race fans decamping to area restaurants post race.

The brand new Brook Tavern is also having a Derby Party this year, where you can sample small batch bourbons, try on a fancy hat, enjoy a Woodford Reserve Mint Julep and watch the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby! The bar opens at 2pm, festivities begin at 4! We know we will be at the Brook at some point, and have chosen it as our post-Derby dinner destination.

We know there are plenty of you attending private parties for the Derby as well and we want to see YOUR Derby pictures. Follow us on Twitter tomorrow and tweet us your pics, use #derbysaratoga and find us on Twitter right here. We will also accept any last minute horse tips as well and will buy a drink for anyone who gives us the winning tip. As for our Derby pick? We like hometown trainer Chad Brown’s horse Normandy Invasion with jockey Javier Castellano in the saddle. You can do it Chad!

Sunday night you’ll find the Tattlers at the Grand Opening Party for the Brook Tavern, the newest venture from Bob and Mary Alice Lee, the owners of the award-winning Wishing Well Restaurant. Located on the corner of Union and Nelson (139 Union), just a horseshoe’s throw from the racetrack, they are celebrating the opening in style and everyone is welcome! The party goes from 5-8pm and will feature complimentary samples from the new menu. There will be a cash bar with 50% of the bar receipts from the evening going to Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar.

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar, a four-year-old program in Saratoga Springs, is a collaboration between the Saratoga Springs City School District and members of the community. The goal of the program is to help economically disadvantaged students at Saratoga Springs High School graduate from high school and attend college.

The program is dedicated to the philosophy that every student showing academic motivation and potential should have the opportunity to finish high school and continue on to college. For many students, this goal would be beyond their reach without the support and guidance of caring adults. Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar provides qualified students with mentors and college preparatory help during high school and financial assistance during college.

Everyone is invited to the Brook Tavern Grand Opening Party, so bring your friends and come check out the new spot!

The Children’s Museum at Saratoga always celebrates it’s birthday in style, and this past weekend was no exception. The 4th Annual Birthday Bash for the museum took place at Prime at Saratoga National, and the theme for the evening was an elegant black and white ball inspired by the children’s classic, Black Beauty. Heather Bohm Tallman had a dazzling black and white backdrop set up for her photo booth and guests got their photos snapped before heading upstairs for the cocktail hour. The silent auction room had a barn theme and hay bales piled up high (on loan from the Skidmore riding center) gave it a fun rustic feel as guests circulated, placing bids on their favorites. Items from Saratoga Polo Association, Piper Boutique, and even a live beta fish from Eddie’s Aquarium were all popular. Also up for silent auction were two gorgeous artist proofs from Saratoga favorite Frankie Flores, who also generously donated the artwork for the invitation as well. The two proofs of a black horse portrait, one in a gorgeous emerald green and one in a bold pink, both saw heavy bidding action throughout the event. Guests enjoyed an open bar courtesy of Prime at Saratoga National and sampled the evening’s signature drink, the Black Beauty, topped with a festive black and white striped straw with a horse themed flag.

Frankie and his wife Ann Marie were in attendance, as well as Honorary Committee Members Kate Veitch and husband Paul, Chelsea Silver and husband Josh, Allison Meyers and husband David, and Erika Gough and husband Matthew. Catherine Hover from Saratoga Paint and Sip was there with her husband Mark, and the Tattlers also bumped into Alex and Tina Frolish, Wendy Lawrence, Adam Powers, Fran Dingeman, Mike and Sharon O’Sullivan, Ray Bryan, Pat Cheney, Andy and Kathleen Fyfe, Sara and Bill Coleman, Justin Jordan and Cassandra Partyka and Rick Partyka. Bob Fitch was there with wife Mena, sporting a freshly shaven head from the St. Baldrick’s event earlier that day at Saratoga City Tavern, which raised money for childhood cancer research. David Martin, whose mother was one of the museum founders, was there as well with fiancee Shannon Fagan. Museum Board President Mike Mihaly was there with his lovely wife Jennifer, and he spoke to the Tattlers about the event and what it meant for the museum.

“I would like to say thank you to sponsors, silent auction donors and guests for making this party a success. This event means so much to the museum so we can update our exhibits and add new programs for our community.”

Angelo Mazzone and his exemplary staff at Prime always do an amazing job, and guests enjoyed grilled filet, broiled salmon and lemon chicken as they listened to Museum Director Michelle Smith speak about some of the museum’s programs. One of the programs she highlighted was the Making Connections Autism Program, a free monthly program designed just for kids on the autism spectrum and their families, where they can come and explore the museum in a safe setting. The program will be holding it’s third program this week and funds raised at the event will go toward supporting that, and other, valuable programs for children at the museum.

Founded in 1990 by community parents and educators, the Children’s Museum occupied donated space in the Downstreet Marketplace building on Broadway in Saratoga Springs before moving to their current location at 69 Caroline Street in November 2001. To pay for all the new exhibits and renovations at Caroline Street, the Board launched a multi-year capital campaign, raising more than $500,000 and has been holding successful fundraisers ever since to help support their programming. The Board of the museum is truly a hands on board, and at the event Board members Lauren Rose, Dan Fariello, Beth Braxton, Beth Gelber, Heather Hoke, Robert Lippmann, Martha MacGregor, Kelly MacNaughton, Jill Shapiro, Kathleen Schechner and Wesley Slyke all balanced enjoying themselves and pitching in to help out perfectly, helping the silent auction run smoothly. Former Board Vice President Tara Pleat was there with husband Andy and former Board President Adam McNeill was there with wife Jennifer.

The emcees for the evening were Walt Adams and his beautiful co-host from Star 101.3 The Jockey Heidi Kelly, and they did a fantastic job getting the crowd bidding for the live pledge opportunity, where guests could pledge dollar amounts specifically for certain programs or materials needed for the museum. A record amount was raised in just a few minutes, with guests pledging amounts from $25 all the way up to $500. Before dessert was served guests checked on their silent auction items one last time and bidding reached a fever pitch in the barn room as potential winners circled their coveted items.

Guests were delighted with the specialty dessert, a black velvet cake with an adorable horse shaped cookie, a perfect ending to a fabulous evening. The Tattlers own Jenny Witte was thrilled to be the Event Chair and was so excited with the support.

“We raised over $20,000 for the museum Saturday night and the amount of support we received from attendees, sponsors like Star 101.3, Lemery Greisler and the Saratogian, and businesses and individuals who donated silent auction items is truly a testament to how much the museum means to our community. The whole staff at Prime at Saratoga National did such an amazing job as always and it was the perfect venue for the black and white ball. The event keeps growing every year, and we are already looking forward to the 5th annual next year.”

The Tattlers will be donning our finest white (or will it be black? We aren’t sure yet) dresses for the Children’s Museum at Saratoga’s 4th Annual Birthday Bash at Prime at Saratoga National, which has a fabulous Black and White Ball theme inspired by the classic children’s book Black Beauty. The always gregarious Walt Adams from Star 101.3 will be the emcee, and guests will be able to get their photo snapped at the Photo Booth by Saratoga favorite Heather Bohm Tallman. Prime at Saratoga National has generously donated an Open Bar from 6:30 to 7:30 and there will be a signature Black Beauty cocktail ready for gala guests to sip on. One of the highlights of the evening will be the unveiling of a one of a kind silent auction item – a custom painting by the immensely talented Frankie Flores which he created just for the event. The silent auction will be fully stocked with items from Saratoga Polo Association, Piper Boutique, Reform Pilates and many many more. Guests will enjoy an elegant sit down dinner, and we all know Angelo Mazzone and his staff never disappoint. Tickets are still available for this Saturday, a great way to support our local Children’s Museum and an absolutely fabulous night out. You can purchase tickets by clicking right here, and the Tattlers will see you there!

The community and philanthropic leaders came together on Saturday night to celebrate the 30^th Annual Capital Region Heart Ball. The Hall of Springs was festooned in red decorations, as guests arrived to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.  Right away we bumped into Dr. Neil Devejian, who was being honored with the Donald Led Duke Heart Hero Award for his work in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.  Dr Devejian was joined by the adorable 16-month-old Aedan Conway and his parents, Jennifer and Tim. Aedan has had two out of three scheduled surgeries to correct his hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and stole the spotlight all evening toddling through the crowd in his khaki pants and vest.

We also spotted Neil and Jane Golub, members of the Executive Leadership Team, Mrs. Golub looking stunning in a one shoulder red gown. As the attendees enjoyed the cocktail hour and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres from Mazzone Hospitality, we caught up with Barbara Hess, one of the American Heart Association Board of Directors. She shared with us why the night was so important, and spoke passionately about the cause saying, “I got involved with the American Heart Association because I know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country and it doesn’t get any more important than that”.

The passion of those in attendance was evident as the live auction got underway and LeGrande Serras auctioned off some fabulous items.  Kevin O’Neill was lucky enough to win a week in Myrtle Beach, and Ome Usmani took home tickets to a Kenny Chesney Concert donated by Key Bank.  Howard Carr had the highest bid on a stunning Indian rug from Jafri Oriental Carpet and Dr. Harry DePan won a day at the races, donated by the Nigro Companies.  President and CEO of Albany Medical Center and Heart Ball Chairman, James J. Barba addressed the crowd and discussed the impact the funds raised throughout the evening had on our community. Also honored was R. Mark Sullivan, Ed. D., past president of The College of Saint Rose, who survived a stroke, primarily due to the medical research over the last 30 years.  As the presentations concluded, Grand Central Station had guests on their feet, dancing the night away.  We spotted Michelle Storm, looking stunning in a floor length black gown, as well as Jason and Beverly Frament, Cynthia LaFave, Paul Rappoli and Paul and Debra Wein. We also chatted with Meghan Dankanich, who was outfitted in an incredible black and nude cocktail dress, and spotted Patricia Fusco, Kelly Hudson, Meghan Craft and Maria Decker who will be chairing the upcoming Go Red for Women Luncheon.  The night concluded with an unforgettable fireworks display, the perfect conclusion to this successful event.

Greenfield Elementary School has kicked off a $150,000 community-wide fundraising campaign to replace its historic playground and this past Saturday they held a vital fundraiser for the plan to bring the new playground to life. The “Villeroy,” a lovely, old estate home in the charming village of Greenfield Center just two miles from Saratoga Springs’ city limits was the setting for The Knights of Generous Hearts Gala. The“Villeroy,” was originally built as a summer retreat by George Villeroy Watson, in 1863. In 2003 it was sold to Captain and Mrs. Douglas K. Dupouy who graciously opened their home for the benefit. Saratoga favorites Jeff & Becky Walton entertained the crowd, which included Charlie Dake, Jessica Morris-Bruchac, Karen and Jeff Redick, Casey Cornell, Dr. Jamie Hawthorne, and many more Greenfield Playground Project supporters. Project supporter Tom Thibeault was very happy with the turnout. “It was great to see such overwhelming support for the playground. Many of our auction items went over the listed values, and it was also nice to see so many people in the community reconnect who had not seen each other in years!”

Guests sampled hors d’oeuvre and wine tastings from Saratoga’s finest wineries and restaurants and bid on auction items from Tarks Indoor Golf, Healthy Living Market, Saratoga Cycling Studio, Home Made Theater, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Berrylicious Bouquets, Redbud Development, Old Bryan Inn, Longfellows and more. The top auction was a trip to Ireland which netted $4,000 for the worthy cause. Karen Redick, Mary Yuhasz and Suzanne Hausam spearheaded the event and were helped tremendously by Michelle Blubaugh, Margaret Bushee and Shannon Kavanagh.

“The Knights of Generous Hearts Gala was a huge success. The Greenfield HSA wants to thank our many supporters that joined us to raise money for the Greenfield Playground Project despite the bad weather,” said event Co-Chair Karen Redick. “The Villeroy was packed with Greenfield parents and alumni, teachers, members of the Greenfield Center Business Association and some generous individuals from Ballston Spa and Clifton Park. The elegant music, food and drink were flowing and the Silent Auction was buzzing.  Our sincerest thanks also go out to the many local businesses that so generously donated their products and services to the Auction. The Gala raised almost $20,000 that will go towards playground components.  However, we are still in need of financial and material donations as well as volunteers to come help us with the community build anticipated for June 5-9.  Please visit our site to sign up or donate.”

The Tattlers own Robin Dalton and Jenny Witte

Last Tuesday night friends and supporters packed Boca Bistro on Broadway in Saratoga Springs for the first Mamas and the Tapas event to celebrate the launch of Mamatoga Magazine. Our very own Tattler, Jenny Witte, founder and publisher of Mamatoga was thrilled with the turn out. “I can’t express how much it means to me to see so many people turn out to celebrate Mamatoga. I am so in love with this community and that is what I want reflected in the magazine”, Jenny said. Ken and Jill Rotondo, Angela Beddoe, Dr. John Gerber, Lauren Humenik, Rachel and Tom Uccellini, Rebecca Beers, Ciara Austin, Jennifer Hennessy, Justin Jordan, Cassandra Partyka, Erika Gough, Chelsea Silver, Lois Celeste and more were in attendance, flipping through the new magazine and chatting with friends. Bill Gathen from DZ Restaurants had this to say about the event, “As a company we are always looking for new ways to support local businesses and local ingenuity. Mamatoga Magazine is a new and exciting local resource for parents and families and hosting ‘The Mamas & The Tapas’ magazine launch for the Mamatoga Spring Issue was a rewarding partnership. The supporters of the magazine who turned out were a gracious, ebullient, and energetic group and it is our hope to host future events for Mamatoga Magazine.”