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Author: Jonathon Norcross

Local Congressman Discusses Sports Betting with Siena College Athletes

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.


Pictured: U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko, Siena College President Charles Seifert, Siena College Research Institute Director Dr. Don Levy, Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Gerry McNamara, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Terry Primm, Men’s Basketball Student-Athletes Brendan Coyle and Major Freeman, Women’s Basketball Student-Athletes Valencia Fontenelle-Posson and Ahniysha Jackson, and Cross-Country and Track & Field Athlete Jennifer McClintock. Photo provided by Siena College.

LOUDONVILLE — Congressman Paul Tonko hosted a roundtable discussion last Thursday at Siena College to solicit feedback from student-athletes and coaches on the impact of sports betting. Gerry McNamara, Siena’s new head men’s basketball coach, attended the event, along with other coaches, student-athletes, and school administrators.

Although the roundtable was meant to promote Tonko’s recently introduced SAFE Bet Act, the discussion turned more towards the issues of mental health and online harassment of college athletes.

“Personally, I have had some [direct messages], and it could be related to sports betting now that I see the bigger picture, but I’ve had a lot of friends on men’s teams who get hate mail and death threats, which is crazy because all athletes are just human at the end of the day,” said Valencia Fontenelle-Posson, a graduate student and guard on the women’s basketball team.

Jennifer McClintock, a cross-country and track runner, said a friend of hers had to turn off his social media accounts because he was receiving so many messages from sports betters putting additional pressure on him to play well.

Brendan Coyle, a forward on the men’s basketball team, said that college athletes are especially vulnerable because they live on campuses, where they can be easily tracked down. Coyle said he’d been approached a number of times by strangers, resulting in both positive and negative exchanges.

“A pro athlete, they go home to their own place where nobody really knows where it’s at,” Coyle said. “We’re on a college campus, people know where we are.”

Earlier this month, the NCAA released the findings of a pilot study that examined online harassment of college athletes. It found that 12% of all abusive online messages were related to sports betting. As betting markets increased, so did the prevalence of harassment, with 19% rates in men’s basketball and football.

Tonko’s SAFE Bet Act includes a nationwide ban on proposition bets that involve college athletes. The ban aims to curb online abuse targeting student-athletes.

“To me, the mental health aspect of this is the most important thing because it impacts [student-athletes] directly,” said McNamara. “Protecting mental health has always been a key issue for student-athletes, now this component has taken on even greater importance.”

Women’s Head Basketball Coach Terry Primm said that gambling’s impact on online harassment “has incentivized me to add this component to athlete education.”

In addition to prohibiting all proposition bets featuring college athletes, Tonko’s SAFE Bet Act would, among other things, prohibit sports betting advertising during live sporting events; prohibit reckless or purposeful targeting of problem gamblers, individuals suffering from gambling disorder, or individuals ineligible to place a bet; prohibit operators from accepting more than 5 deposits from a customer in a 24-hour period; and prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to track individual player’s gambling habits. 

Classic Car Show Packs Downtown B’Spa

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


Classic cars are displayed along Front Street in downtown Ballston Spa. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

BALLSTON SPA — Hundreds of classic cars and even more people filled downtown Ballston Spa on Sunday for the 22nd annual “The Way We Were” Car Show. The free event, organized by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, had previously been scheduled for the 13th but was postponed due to weather. 

The festivities included food and merchandise vendors, a bouncy house for kids, and live music. The show is named after the 1973 movie starring Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand, which was partly filmed in Ballston Spa.

Report: New York State Parks Generated $5.6 Billion in Visitor Spending in One Year

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


The results of a new economic impact study of New York State Parks were announced by Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York, during a press conference in Saratoga Spa State Park on October 18. Photo by Jonathon Norcross. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new economic impact report found that New York parks have become major contributors to the state economy, with park visitors generating about $5.6 billion in sales and $2.5 billion in labor income in one year. The data was collected from January through December 2021, when the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion.

The report’s findings were unveiled in a press conference in the Saratoga Spa State Park last Friday morning that was led by Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. Local community leaders such as Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, were also in attendance.

“The report that we’re releasing today really shows the result of historic investment in the state park system,” White said at the event. “The state park system is now as vital, as large, as the agricultural sector in New York State, in terms of its contribution to our economy.”

White said that the Saratoga Spa State Park is the fourth most-visited park in New York, totaling 3.6 million visits per year. Of the estimated 78 million total visits to all New York State Parks in 2021, 47 million came from non-locals (defined as anyone traveling more than 50 miles). Non-local visitors generated about $2.9 billion of the total $5.6 billion in sales. These monetary figures are expected to increase, given that New York State Parks saw around 84 million visits in 2023, a 6 million increase from 2021.

The report also suggested that the funding of state parks results in a healthy return on investment, with every $1 million spent on the parks resulting in $10 million in sales, $4 million in labor income, and $7 million in state GDP.

“We are really fortunate in Saratoga County that we actually have three state parks, amazing parks in Moreau, Waterford, and Saratoga Springs,” said Chamber President Todd Shimkus. “Each of these obviously help us to attract visitors, which helps our local businesses to succeed, grow, and thrive.” 

Shimkus said that Saratoga County’s local parks add amenities to the area that help attract talented job applicants looking to fill open positions.

“I can share countless stories of visitors who come for the natural beauty and stay for the vibrant community experiences,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “These visitors often return, bringing their friends, colleagues, and families, further contributing to the local economy.”

The report, titled “New York’s State Parks: Economic Engine for the State,” was conducted by Parks & Trails New York, The Political Economy Research Institute, and The National Heritage Trust. Data was sourced from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; I Love NY/Empire State Development; and comparable regional and national studies.

Tackling Chronic Absenteeism: “It’s All About Relationships”

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Class room tables and chairs with Paper documents of exam test on desk in examination school while blur asian girls students taking reading for testing in classroom school, Student uniform in Thailand

GANSEVOORT — David Torres has been combating absenteeism in Saratoga County schools for more than 30 years. In that time, he’s developed a one-word mantra that could be helpful to any educator hoping to keep kids in the classroom: relationships.

“I’ll say it over and over again: relationships, relationships, relationships. Building relationships, positive relationships, with students and their families,” Torres told Saratoga TODAY. “Gaining that trust with students and their families that you can trust someone from the school to help you out.”

Torres was an attendance supervisor in the Saratoga Springs City School District for 28 years. He now serves as the community outreach liaison for the Corinth Central School District. On Monday, he hosted a School Attendance Symposium at the WSWHE BOCES Student Support Center that focused on improving chronic absenteeism in Capital Region schools.

Torres said that in his many interactions with students from across the region, he’s encountered a number of issues that contribute to chronic absenteeism: bullying, boredom, mental health struggles, and medical problems, to name a few. But ultimately, each student, he said, has their own reason for avoiding school. 

“Every family is different and we have these generic school attendance policies and they’re all well and good, but when it really comes down to it, each individual is absent for their reason. It belongs to them,” Torres said. “You’ve got to break it down and really gain trust with parents and kids.”

The New York State Education Department defines chronic absenteeism as a student missing at least 10% of school days within one academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions.

Earlier this month, a report by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli stated that chronic absenteeism rates increased significantly as schools transitioned back to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic and remained high during the 2022-2023 school year.

“Chronic absenteeism has been linked to lower grades, lower standardized test scores, and increased risk of dropout,” DiNapoli said in a statement. “Students who chronically miss classroom time often fall behind. Reducing chronic absenteeism will be essential for turning around pandemic-era learning loss. School districts need to engage students, families, and their communities to address this troubling issue.”

Engaging students and families may be easier said than done, however, especially if school personnel lack the necessary experience for building the kind of relationships that can make a difference in students’ lives.

“It would be nice if the New York State Education Department mandated community outreach people so districts can get funds for that, but they don’t,” Torres said. “[Community outreach is] more difficult  when you have to teach social studies, math, English, science, P.E., and other required subjects.”

Although the challenge of combating chronic absenteeism may seem daunting, Torres said significant improvements are being made in Corinth, which reached its goal of a 90% graduation rate in only two years. 

In Saratoga Springs, data released earlier this year showed that chronic absenteeism rates among 1st through 8th graders declined from 17.8% in 2021-2022 to 15.5% in 2022-2023. Similarly, rates among 9th through 12th graders declined from 28.1% in 2021-2022 to 25.5% the following school year. 

The district attributed the declining rates, in part, to the use of ParentSquare, a service that sends automated absentee notifications and allows parents to communicate directly with attendance clerks. In July of this year, the Schuylerville Central School District also began using ParentSquare.

“It’s not impossible to change behavior and change how people look at school education,” Torres said. “[One parent’s] kid went from 44 absences in first grade to having perfect attendance in second grade. It’s incredible. It’s very rewarding to hear from parents and from former students that when they were 16 or 15 or 14, I made an impact. Even though I might not have seen it then, I see it now when they are parents of their own kids.”

Putnam Market Wine Room Closing, New Cafe Opening

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


Putnam Market Wine Director William Roach waves from the entrance of the market’s Wine Room. Photo provided by Putnam Market.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Putnam Market has announced that its wine room will be closing on December 31 when the market’s Wine Director, William Roach, retires. In the wine room’s place will be The Café at Putnam Market, slated to open in January.

“William steered our wine store through 26 years made memorable by remarkable bottles and even more remarkable people,” the company said in a statement.

“The city of Saratoga Springs was transformed during The Wine Room’s tenure at Putnam Market,” Roach said. “So I say goodbye to all that with sincere gratitude for the many kindnesses shown to me, a fresh off the boat Brit, by you, my friends and neighbors. And while I can’t claim any responsibility for the wonderful city where we live, I was there as it happened, and I am grateful I was.”

The Café at Putnam Market will feature barista service, afternoon tea, takeout sandwiches, soups, baked goods, wine and beer by the glass, specialty groceries, confections, party supplies, and Putnam Market branded merchandise.

Military Museum Presents First-Ever Heritage Award to Battles of Saratoga Author

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

Colonel (Ret.) Kevin J. Weddle receives the first-ever Preserving Our Military Heritage Award at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs on October 16. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Historian Colonel (Ret.) Kevin J. Weddle, Ph.D. was presented with the first-ever Preserving Our Military Heritage Award from the Friends of the New York State Military Museum on Wednesday night. Weddle is the author of the award-winning tome “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution.”

“The thing that’s so wonderful about this award and that really, really touches me is it’s from a military family,” Weddle said. “This is from my family, my fellow soldiers, fellow Marines, this is my team. It’s been that way since I was 18 years old. I’ve been either in or out of uniform serving the Army for all that time. So having an award like this come from my family is the thing that means the most to me.”

Weddle received the prize at the Military Museum in Saratoga Springs in front of a small group of colleagues and admirers.

Weddle’s book, “The Compleat Victory,” was deemed “the definitive account of the Saratoga campaign” by New Books Network. It won several awards, including the Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize and Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award. The book is a strategic history of the entire Saratoga campaign and was published by Oxford University Press as part of its Pivotal Moments in American History series.

Weddle is a 1979 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he later taught Military History. He was Professor of Military Theory and Strategy at The United States Army War College in Pennsylvania for 16 years. He’s now a Distinguished Fellow at the college. He served for more than 28 years in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer officer before retiring as a colonel. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. He holds a master’s degree in history and civil engineering from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Omakase Sushi and Grill Opening Soon in Saratoga Springs

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.


A rendering shows the interior of Omakase Sushi and Grill, a new Japanese restaurant coming to Saratoga Springs. Photo via the restaurant’s Facebook page.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Restaurateur Briana Lin is opening her seventh Capital Region establishment at 30 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, the former site of 30 Lake, which closed in February.

Omakase Sushi and Grill is named after the Japanese tradition of omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” When ordering omakase, patrons entrust the chef to choose their meal for them.

In his book “The Story of Sushi,” author Trevor Corson wrote that “[Omakase is] what the sophisticated customer says to the chef when settling down at the sushi bar. Sushi connoisseurs seldom order off a menu. Traditionally, sushi bars in Japan didn’t even have menus.”

The restaurant will also feature a standard menu with a la carte sushi and other Asian dishes for less adventurous diners.

“Here’s a little glimpse into what’s in store,” Omakase recently wrote on their Facebook page, 

“fresh flavors, artful presentation, and an intimate setting perfect for savoring each delicate bite.”

An official opening date for the restaurant hasn’t yet been announced, though previous reports suggested it may open as soon as this month.

Lin’s growing restaurant empire includes Azuma Sushi Bistro in Malta and five other eateries located in Latham, Glenmont, and Niskayuna.

New Hotel in Downtown Saratoga Takes Shape

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

An aerial photo of the future AC Marriott Hotel in Saratoga Springs. Photo via Bonacio. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The future AC Marriott Hotel, located on the former site of the Turf & Spa Hotel at 176 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, is rapidly taking shape. According to Bonacio Construction, structural steel has been installed, concrete was poured for the garage, and wood framing on the upper floors is currently underway.

When completed, the four-story hotel will include 120 rooms, underground parking, a pool, fitness center, bar & lounge, and meeting areas. The project broke ground in February. 

Schuylerville Golfers Capture Second-Straight Sectional Title

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Sports.


Schuylerville varsity golfers Alex DeGregory, Adam DeGregory, Kadin Converse, Ryken Riper, and Jackson Dunbar pose alongside Coach Matthew Steinfort. Photo via Section 2 Athletics. 

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville boys varsity golf team won its second-straight Section 2 Class C/D championship on Tuesday at the Fairways of Halfmoon, finishing two strokes ahead of both Mechanicville and Vorheesville.

The title-winning team included Alex DeGregory, Adam DeGregory, Kadin Converse, Ryken Riper, and Jackson Dunbar.

The Black Horses finished at plus-37, narrowly beating plus-39 Mechanicville and Voorheesville. Riper shot an 80, Converse an 86, and Adam DeGregory an 87. All three scores were good enough to allow the golfers to advance to the ABCD qualifier on Monday, October 21. Alex DeGregory added a 96.

The victory made Schuylerville back-to-back champs after their 2023 title. They’ve now captured three of the last four Section 2 Class C/D championships.

Spa Catholic Soccer Squad Has Miraculous Season

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Saratoga Central Catholic girls soccer coaches Brian Venn and Tony Nucera pose alongside the team prior to their “pink” game against Mekeel Christian Academy on Monday afternoon. Photo by Super Source Media.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Perhaps it’s fitting that the Saratoga Central Catholic girls soccer team is called the Saints; it’s a small miracle that the team exists in the first place.

While other Spa Catholic sports have modified, junior varsity, and varsity teams, the girls soccer program has been struggling just to put together one varsity team, Coach Brian Venn said.

“Sometimes we don’t have enough for a full roster,” Venn said. “Our first couple of games this year, we didn’t have enough subs, so we were sometimes playing shorthanded.”

Despite the team struggling to recruit enough players to take the field, they’ve managed to win 7 games this season and have a realistic shot at finishing with a .500 winning percentage.  And some of the Saints’ notable on-field contributors include several girls who had never even played organized soccer before.

“Word of mouth is powerful, especially for kids that have never played before,” Venn said. “Having their friends say, ‘don’t be nervous, don’t have anxiety, just come out and have fun.’”

One senior, Emily Sylvain, decided to sign up for soccer despite not having much experience on the field. At the Saints’ October 14 game against Mekeel Christian Academy, she was the squad’s starting striker.

But Sylvain isn’t the Saints’ only success story. Senior captain Sydney Caracci is one of the team’s leaders in both goals and assists. Sophomore captain Addison Quail leads the team in assists and is credited with helping first-year players. Senior Grace Venn, a second-year captain, solidifies the middle and right sides of the team’s defense, while also offering guidance to younger players. And juniors Ava Brown and Allison Fuller are poised to become standouts next year as the team continues to grow, Venn said.

The biggest success story, however, may be Coach Venn and Co-Coach Tony Nucera’s determined efforts to revitalize the school’s soccer program.

“[The goal] is to make Spa Catholic a destination for soccer, not only girls, but boys as well,” Venn said. “I think a lot of our planning is going to have to do with creating a smaller pipeline where we can look at some of the other, not only diocese schools, but also public schools, and make it more appealing if your daughter or son is playing soccer to come to Spa Catholic. Up until this year, we really haven’t had the momentum to make it a soccer destination and that’ll take four or five years, I’m sure.”

In the meantime, the Saints are focused on winning their final game of the season. If they do, they’ll enter the postseason as a third or fourth seed, something the team hasn’t done in nearly a decade.

It would be just another small, unexpected miracle for the Saints.