NEW FRIENDS AND OLD FRIENDS

Over the last 6 years I have spent (read 'worked') 6 weeks of my summer at the SARATOGA RACE COURSE and I have met some wonderful people.  Some  I work with, some I meet each day. Currently there are 9 others on our Hospitality Team, 6 are part of the original group.  The 10 of us, along with all former team members, get together over the year.  We like to keep in touch and always look forward to catching up....that's what friends do.

Others employed at the track have also become friends.  Thanks to social sites like e-mail and Facebook, we can keep in touch through the year. Other co-workers we only see from year to year.  We look for them and if we don't see them, we wonder how they are and hope we will eventually run into them.

Then there are the patrons.  We are always pleased to see folks return.  It is so heartwarming when they come up to us and tell us they are happy to see us again.  Each day Ted, from New Jersey, comes in and makes sure he says hello.  John likes to 'dance' with me when Reggie's Red Hot Feet Warmers are playing their fun music.  How about Joe?  He usually stops by just to ask how things are going.  "Crazy Eddie" comes by on his birthday and he is happy that we remember that!  It pleases him a lot.  Don't forget Barbara Ann....yes, use both names.  She is a "weather spotter" for a local TV station.  Her Mother told her that she should always use both names and she would be remembered.  Mom is always right!

I would be remiss if I did not tell you about Ann and her daughter, Barbara. Ann is in her 80's, a retired NYC Policewoman.  Her daughter (40's) is not healthy (undergoes dialysis 3 times a week) but they come in most days.  Former horse owners and quite the characters, they are sweethearts.  We even went to Barbara's birthday party this year!  All the jockeys know them and treat Barbara with love and kindness.  She is legally blind and has an incredible memory.  Ask her anything about movies or races and she knows the answer. They are very special.

We look forward to Tony and Carolyn.  They own a restaurant on Long Island (NY) and manage to get away for one weekend.  How fortunate for us that they choose Saratoga Springs to spend that precious time.  Tony and Carolyn seek us (my partner and I at Gate B) out, invite us to their table for a snack, etc.  This year they have invited us for dinner.  Nice of them to send a message with the invitation before they even arrive!

We also have the pleasure of befriending some of the artists and vendors.  It really is like a family.

So it goes...6 days a week for 6 weeks. What an experience.  You just never know what the day will bring and I never knew what this job would bring....many new and old friends!