CROQUET ON THE GREEN
Fourth annual event benefits AIM Services, Inc.
Croquet players of all skill levels used the day off at the track to participate in the fourth annual event sponsoring AIM Services, Inc.
“We thought this was unique. We thought this was a unique event that Saratoga used to do. Years ago they did this I think maybe over at the track,” said AIM Services, Inc’s executive director June MacClelland. “They did it for an organization similar to ours. For whatever reason they stopped, and a number of years went by and somebody brought it to our attention, saying, hey, they used to do this in Saratoga. Why don’t you give it a try?” And we did. We loved it, and we got a lot of good reviews and returned customers.”
The afternoon festivities included not just croquet.
“We wanted to have a garden party because we know a lot of folks really don’t want to play croquet but they’d like to come out and do something fun. A little wine tasting, have some wild desserts, look at our raffle items,” said MacClelland “... We thought people would enjoy that.”
AIM Services Inc provides services throughout Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Department of Health.
“We’re trying to raise enough money to buy a wheel-
chair van this year, so all our charities for this year is going to go towards purchasing a wheelchair van that is a very special type that will help some of the folks in our community be able to get out into the community and do things that
they haven’t been able to do,” said MacClelland. “We have about 125 in our residential programs and probably another 500 that are receiving community services.”
A United States Croquet Association national champion, Francis Palasieski, served as tournament judge.
“He’s been here since the beginning. He’s absolutely been 100 percent in. We are
so thrilled to have him,” said MacClelland. “His genius in the things that he comes up with and his ability to organize and keep these games moving and keep track of where the winners are, answer all of the questions. He’s fabulous. We are so fortunate to have him.”
The 42nd Infantry Division Band provided music and also performed The Star-Spangled Banner to
commence competition.
Over 30 teams competed in the tournament, and even more people and companies donated time, money and resources.
“We are very blessed to have a number of returning sponsors that really support our organization, and that means everything to us, because without them we would be nothing,” said MacClelland.