‘Dentistry from the Heart’; Secret Gardens tickets
BALLSTONSPA>> The first 100 uninsured Saratoga County residents to show up at Dr. Thomas J. Pray’s dental practice at 128 Milton Avenue in Ballston Spa on Friday, June 20, will have something extra special to smile about.
For the second time in as many years, Pray, supported by a team of other humanitarian-hearted dentists, hygienists and assistant, is offering an entire day of free basic oral healthcare services inspired by “Dentistry from the Heart.”
Last summer, Pray and his team of volunteers donated the equivalent of $30,000 in free consultations and X-rays followed by either a free cleaning, filling or extraction. One patient in need was also given a free root canal.
“The people we’re reaching out to are those who too often fall between the cracks because they are neither affluent enough to be covered by high end insurance nor financially disadvantaged enough to qualify for Medicaid,” explained Pray. “They are often the ones who suffer silently with toothaches because they cannot afford basic dental services.”
The dentist who prides himself on bringing “a devotion to fitness and healing” to his practice and with “inspiring patients toward optimal health,” is also a former national rowing champion, a marathon runner and a triathalon competitor.
Because patients are seen on a first come, first served basis, those wishing to take advantage of the event are encouraged to arrive early. Patients will be welcomed in groups of 10 at a time, and thanks to the generosity of local restaurants and firefighters, complimentary beverages and lawn chairs will be available to early birds who must remain on the sidewalk while waiting their turn.
Dentists expected to join Pray are Francisco Banchs, Lionel Bulford, Allyson Byrne, Katelyn Page, Richard Salvadore and Vera Salvadore. A complete list of those offering their time will be available closer to the event.
Dentistry from the Heart was founded in 2001 by Dr. Vincent Monticciolo, who inspired Dr. Pray when the pair met in Chicago a few years ago. More than 200 “Dentistry from the Heart” events are held nation-wide annually, helping to ease the suf- fering of tens of thousands from coast-to-coast.
To learn more, call 885-8321 or visit www.thomasjpraydds.com.
Secret Gardens Tour tickets now on sale
SARATOGASPRINGS>> Tickets are now on sale for the 20th annual Secret Garden Tour, featuring select favorites and new spaces in and around Saratoga Springs. The milestone anniversary of this self-guided tour, taking place Sunday, July 13, invites visitors to 11 creative gardens in urban and rural settings, including the North Broadway home of Michele and Ron Riggi.
The tour is a popular tradition for garden lovers seeking inspiration and ideas from a variety of gardeners who have invested years of sweat, equity and loving care into their personal oases.
The event is a major fundraiser for Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, the local branch of a public service organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and around the world. The Saratoga club has provided more than $20,000 a year in awards and grants for local programs, scholarships for local women heads of households obtaining a college degree and initiatives to provide health care, clean water and education in the third world.
Tickets, $20 advance and $25 day of, if still available. Tickets may be pre-ordered at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org, where you can also download an order form to return by mail. Tickets can also be purchased at all four Cudney’s Cleaners locations; visit www.cudneys.com for addresses and hours.
In addition, on June 28, July 5 and July 12), tickets can be purchased and pre-ordered tickets can be picked up from 10 a.m. to noon at the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center, 297 Broadway. Pre-ordered tickets can also be picked up beginning at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the tour at the Visitor Center. Tickets may also be purchased at that time, while they last.
Questions? Call 581-1201, ext. 4184,or email secretgardensinfo@gmail.com. For more information about Soroptimists or the garden tour, visit www. soroptimistsaratoga.org.