The social scene in Saratoga

Saratoga is a happening place to be, especially during track season. From July 18 to Sept. 1, the social calendar is packed with galas, luncheons and fundraisers — all for good causes.

Fashion shows and big-ticket auctions benefit backstretch workers, homeless teens and adults, retired racehorses, people with disabilities, children with critical needs and more. Money raised during the meet helps nonprofits provide services all year and start new programs. Saratoga Hospital Foundation’s 32nd annual gala, “A Mad Tea Party,” on Wednesday, July 30, will benefit the new Saratoga Community Health Center, which offers affordable medical and dental services. Last year’s gala raised a record $600,000.

On the eve of opening day, the social season kicks off with the 21st annual Siro’s Cup, which draws a crowd of 1,000-plus to the popular restaurant next to the track. This year’s honoree: Rosie Napravnik, the first female jockey to compete in all three Triple Crown races.

Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson’s Saratoga Opening Day Luncheon draws horse owners, trainers, politicians and local movers-and-shakers. While their event is by invitation only, most benefits are open to anyone who is willing to donate to charity.

Here are some don’t-miss events of the Saratoga racing season:

MONDAY

The Father Peter G. Young Foundation Summer Gala. Location: Saratoga National Golf Club. 6 p.m. $100; junior, $50. 518-463-8109. The event also celebrates The Reverend Young’s 55th year of priesthood.

THURSDAY

21st Annual Newton Plaza Siro’s Cup, Center for Disability Services Foundation. Location: Siro’s Restaurant, 168 Lincoln Ave. 6:30 p.m. $150. 518-944-2125. http://cfdsny.org Honorary chairs: Sara Lee and Barry Larner, Christine and George R. Hearst III, Josephine and Earl B. Feiden.

FRIDAY

Saratoga Opening Day Luncheon, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson. Location: At the Rail Pavilion at Saratoga Race Course. 11:45 a.m. Invitation only.

FRIDAY

65 Roses The Opening Day Soiree, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Location: Fasig-Tipton. 7 p.m. $190. 783-7361. Presented by First Niagara, the event honors Dr. John D. Bennett and CDPHP.

SATURDAY

The White Party, Saratoga Bridges. Location: Fasig-Tipton, East and Madison avenues. 7 p.m. $175; $125 younger than 35. 518-587-0723. http://saratogabridges.org Honorary chairs Julie and Sonny Bonacio; white cocktail attire or summer business casual.

SATURDAY

5th Annual Kickoff Cocktail Party, Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Location: Saratoga Golf and Polo Club, 301 Church St. 7 p.m. $100. 518-698-2377. http://oldfriendsatcabincreek.com Jockey Rosie Napravnik hosts this fundraiser for thoroughbred rescue and retirement.

MONDAY, JULY 21

Second Annual Hay, Oats, Spaghetti, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Location: Momma Mia’s Pizza and Cafe, 185 Ballston Ave. 6 p.m. $75. 518-226-0028. http://trfinc.org All proceeds go to TRF, which celebrates 31 years of saving racehorses.

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Polo by Twilight, Skidmore College Palamountain Scholarship Benefit. Location: Saratoga Polo Fields, 2 Bloomfield Road. 5:30 p.m. $125; $100 (ages 31-40); $75 (younger than 30). 518-580-5678. http://skidmore.edu/palamountainbenefit Sara Hallberg Boivin, 1996, and Donene D. Honnold are benefit chairs.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

An Unbridled Affair, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services. Location: Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway. 6:30 p.m. $125; $90 (younger than 35). 518-371-1184. http://captaincares.org Honorary chairs Gary and Jennifer Contessa; celebrating Wise Dan and Mucho Macho Man.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

13th Annual Awards Dinner Charity Auction, Equine Advocates. Location: Fasig-Tipton. 6 p.m. $250. 518-245-1599. http://equineadvocates.org Victoria McCullough and Barry Irwin will be honored for their equine rescue efforts.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

24th Annual Satins, Silks Stars Gala, Special Olympics. Location: Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway. 6:30 p.m. $175. 388-0790, Ext. 108. This year’s theme is Shhhhhhh! Prohibition Speakeasy Party.

MONDAY, JULY 28

Fashionable Fillies Luncheon, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and Shelters of Saratoga. Location: Hall of Springs at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. 11:30 a.m. $150. 518-226-0609. http://tinyurl.com/fillieslunch Honorary chair Lisa Troutt; fashion show by Torso Lingerie Studio and Encounter Boutique.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

The 32nd Annual Summer Gala: A Mad Tea Party, Saratoga Hospital Foundation. Location: Polo Meadow at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. 6 p.m. $150; $100 junior (ages 21-36). 518-583-8340. http://saratogahospital.org/services/events/the-summer–gala Auction by Fasig-Tipton; summer attire; “come prepared to jump down the rabbit hole.”

THURSDAY, JULY 31

24th Annual Friendraising Gala, Teresian House Foundation. Location: Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave. 5:30 p.m. $150 patron; $125 general; $100 junior (younger than 35) 518-456-2000. Honoring Sister Pauline Brecanier, Cokie Roberts; chairs Marylou Whitney, John Hendrickson.

SATURDAY, AUG. 2

“Are You as Dapper as Draper?” Medical Missions for Children. Location: Saratoga National Golf Club. 7 p.m. $250. 508-697-5821. http://mmfc.org Dress as your favorite “Mad Men” character and help children around the globe.

SUNDAY, AUG. 3

Bow Ties and Bourbon, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Location: Canfield Casino. 6 p.m. $150 518-226-0028. http://trfinc.org Southern food from Hattie’s Restaurant, music by Garland Nelson and Soul Session.

TUESDAY, AUG. 5

Vision: A Look at Life Behind the Scenes, Saratoga County EOC’s Latino Community Advocacy Program. Location: At the Rail Pavilion. 5:30 p.m. $60. 518-288-3206, Ext. 147. http://brownpapertickets.com/event/733771 A new collection of black-and-white photos entitled “Estamos Aqui” (“We are Here”).

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

38th Annual Museum Ball, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Location: National Museum of Racing, 191 Union Ave. 7:30 p.m. $500. Invitation by request. 518-584-0400, Ext. 107. http://racingmuseum.org Celebrating 150 years of the Travers; sponsored by Tiffany Co., designer of Man o’ War Cup.

SATURDAY, AUG. 9

2014 Dancers in Film Gala, National Museum of Dance. Location: 99 S. Broadway. 7 p.m. $400; $300 (younger than 25). 518-584-2225. dancemuseum.org. Honorary chair Mariano Rivera; honorees John Travolta, Gene Kelly and Jacques D’Amboise.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 13

Ninth Annual NY Race Track Chaplaincy Brunch, Race Track Chaplaincy of America, New York Division. Location: Fasig-Tipton. 11 a.m. $100. 516-967-6037. http://rtcany.org Honoree Michael Dubb, speaker Eddie Donnally, to benefit families of the horseracing industry.

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Location: At the Rail Pavilion. 11:30 a.m. $150. 646-497-2605. http://nyra.com Guest Dr. Larry Norton, emcee Maggie Wolfendale, honoree Stella Thayer, ESCADA boutique.

MONDAY, AUG. 18

Second Annual Recognition Reception to Thank Financial Supporters, Saratoga WarHorse. Location: Fasig-Tipton. 6 p.m. Invitation by request. 518-744-3600. http://saratogawarhorse.com A program to help veterans with post-war stress and trauma heal by bonding with horses.

MONDAY AUG. 18

August Evening in Saratoga, The Mental Health Foundation. 6 p.m. Location: Saratoga National Golf Club. $100. 518-694-5364. http://www.mentalhealthfoundation.net Marylou Whitney and Matilda Raffa Cuomo, co-chairwomen of the event honoring award-winning TV journalist Bob Woodruff.

TUESDAY, AUG. 19

One Fine Day, Shelters of Saratoga. Location: Union Gables Bed and Breakfast, 55 Union Ave. 1 p.m. $60. 518-581-1097. http://sheltersofsaratoga.com Music by Jeff Brisbin and auction to raise funds for the homeless shelter in Saratoga.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20

Racing for the Children, Belmont Child Care Association. Location: Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Spa State Park 6:30 p.m. $250. 516-488-1410. http://belmontchildcare.org Sharon and Ramon Dominguez are honorees at the benefit for children of backstretch workers.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

Travers Celebration. 7:30 p.m. Location: Saratoga Race Course.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

16th Annual Saratoga Fashion Show, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. Location: At the Rail Pavilion. 11 a.m. $155; $1,500 for a table of 10. 518-438-2655. http://saratogafashionshow.com Honorary chairwoman Nancy Bambara; fashion show by Natalie Sillery of Saratoga Trunk.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

Health, History Horses Charity Gala, The Ladies of Charity, Saratoga Vicariate. Location: Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave. 6 p.m. $60. 518-584-7496; 584-7837. http://ladiesofcharitysaratoga.com The Ladies of Charity was founded in France in 1617 by St. Vincent de Paul.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22

16th Annual Travers Wine Tasting, Senior Services of Albany. Location: Fasig-Tipton. 7 p.m. $135; $100 (ages 21-35). 518-465-3322. http://seniorservicesofalbany.com Sample fine wines and specialty beers from around the world on the eve of the Travers Stakes.

SATURDAY, AUG. 23

The 25th Annual Travers Day at the Races, Saratoga Bridges. Location: Carousel Restaurant, Saratoga Race Course. 11 a.m. $140. 518-587-0723, Ext. 1242. http://saratogabridges.org Saratoga Bridges has helped people with developmental disabilities for more than 55 years.

Saratoga Living magazine

This Social Calendar is published in a special racing issue of Saratoga Living Magazine and online at http://Saratogaliving.com. You can pick up the racing issue — for a guide to the track and polo, and an inside look at upscale living and celebrities past and present at the Spa — at various retailers and newsstands including Barnes Noble, Stewart’s, Price Chopper, Albany International Airport, Amtrak and Saratoga Race Course. Visit http://saratogaliving.com to order a copy and for a list of retail locations.

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Modeling, monkeys and Marilyn Manson: The world of Alix Catherine Tichelman

On Friday July 4, 2014, detectives from the Santa Cruz Police Department arrested Alix Catherine Tichleman, 26, for the murder of Forrest Timothy Hayes, 51, of Santa Cruz.

A makeup artist, writer and model who loves monkeys and struggles with demons.

That’s how Alix Catherine Tichelman, 26, describes herself on various social media sites.

A Facebook profile shows modeling shots of Tichelman in varying states of undress and examples of her poetry. It gives a glimpse into the life of the woman, an alleged prostitute who is accused in the death of a Google executive.

Tichelman appeared in court Wednesday in Santa Cruz, California, where she faces a series of charges in the death of Forrest Timothy Hayes, 51. The married father of five was found dead in November on his 50-foot yacht.

Authorities say Tichelman gave him an injection of heroin and then, as he began to die, she sipped her wine, gathered her belongings and walked away.

She has not entered a plea.

Not much is known about Tichelman, but her presence on social media offers some clues. For example, she went to high school in Duluth, just north of Atlanta, and studied journalism at Georgia State University.

Another one of her Facebook profiles says she worked at Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club and as an exotic dancer in San Francisco.

“life is great. i am seriously blessed as a motherf*****. a great boyfriend, nice house, monkeys, loving family…doesn’t get any better than this i don’t think,” Tichelman posted in January 2013.

She strikes a more somber note in her poetry, which is posted to one of her Facebook profiles.

Tichelman talked about drugs in one piece, dated November 2012, entitled “heroin.” It reads:

“this private downward spiral-this suffocating blackhole

makes you feel so warm inside,

yet makes your heart so cold.

each day takes it’s toll,

your thoughts become emotionless,

your soul feels too old.

the demons whispers to me ever so lightly,

he never let’s go of his hold,

taking everything from me,

I’ll end up dying alone.”

‘My beloved Dean!’

On Facebook and Twitter, Tichelman posted photographs and messages about a former boyfriend, Dean Riopelle, a club owner in Atlanta.

Riopelle died at his home in Milton, Georgia, just two months before Hayes, the Google executive.

The medical examiner ruled Riopelle’s death an accidental overdose from heroin and alcohol. “At the time, we never thought anything different,” Capt. Shawn McCarty of Milton police told CNN on Thursday.

Now authorities are taking a new look at that death “to make sure there’s nothing (else) to it,” he said.

Tichelman also was arrested last year in Atlanta and charged with battery and false report of a crime. The details of that incident were unclear.

“I don’t have to forgive, but that doesn’t mean I can’t let it go. Knowing that my life is better than theirs, i have an amazing boyfriend who takes care of me, and a sound and clear conscience when I go to sleep at night. Priceless,” Tichelman wrote on Facebook in June 2012.

The same month, she posted a smiling photograph of her and Riopelle, as well as a photograph of a ring.

“thank you to my beloved Dean! ** black white diamond promise ring ** always and forever,” she wrote in a post to accompany the image.

Monkeys and Marilyn Manson

Her boyfriend wasn’t the only thing Tichelman loved.

On Facebook and Twitter, she talked about her love for the TV show “Dexter,” her mom, Marilyn Manson and monkeys. Several photographs show her cuddling and playing with the tiny creatures.

“Dexter is so frealin’ (sic) good! Can’t believe I haven’t watched it earlier. #lovableserialkiller,” Tichelman tweeted in November 2012.

Many of her posts are fun and light-hearted. She wrote about working on a novel, modeling projects, setting up a makeup tutorial and her preference for steak and potatoes over turkey and stuffing for Thanksgiving.

In the tutorial, posted to YouTube, Tichelman stares straight at the camera as she applies eye makeup. She wears lingerie, which shows off tattoos across her chest and arms. Candles, flowers and stuffed animals can be seen in the background.

“I will be thin and pure like a glass cup. Empty. Pure as light. Music. I move my hands over my body – my shoulders, my collarbone, my rib cage, my hip bones like part of an animal skull, my small thighs. In the mirror my face is pale and my eyes look bruised.

“My hair is pale and thin and the light comes through. I could be a lot younger than twenty four. I could be a child still, untouched,” Tichelman wrote on Facebook in April 2012, posting a quote that has appeared on a number of online sites.

In other posts, she sounds angry and unforgiving, as she does in this note, posted to Facebook in May 2012. It reads, in part:

“Sick of the lies and all the pain you have given me,

Wrapped up in a bow like I thought it was supposed to be

But now you’re laying in a box, waiting to suffocate,

Saving your last breath as you scratch at your coffin case.

I know I’m crazy, but vengeance is mine,

The dirt that pours in your mouth into your eyes,

Never thought I would see you so surprised

Cause im watching up above as you choke on the dirt

Bury the lies and the memories cause all you’ve done is hurt.”

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