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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saints Helping Angels: Saratoga Central Catholic Baseball Team’s 5K Fundraiser in Support of Kelly’s Angels

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On May 26, 2020, the Saratoga Central Catholic’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Baseball Teams took part in a virtual 5K run to benefit Kelly’s Angels Inc. The Saints were scheduled to have a baseball tournament to support Kelly’s Angels, but had to cancel due to COVID-19. During a Zoom meeting, the varsity players wanted to do one last project as a team to support the organization, and decided on a 5K charity run. The teams received pledges from family and friends and raised a total of $2,305 for Kelly’s Angels Inc. The mantra…Saints helping Angels. 

Skidmore Honors Graduates During Live Commencement

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Skidmore College community came together online to celebrate the creativity and resilience of the Class of 2020, whose final semester was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of graduates, students, family members, alumni and friends from across the globe watched as Skidmore conferred 647 degrees in an unprecedented virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 30. The event was broadcast live from the Surrey-Williamson Inn on Skidmore’s campus, and streamed on Skidmore’s website and social media accounts.

The tribute included many of the usual components of a traditional Commencement ceremony — a touching rendition of Skidmore’s alma mater performed by Emma Berkowitz ’20 and Lindsay Walsh ’20; welcoming remarks by Jinan Al-Busaidi ’20, senior class president; a speech by faculty speaker Jennifer C. Mueller; and greetings from President Philip A. Glotzbach, who invited graduates to rise and move their tassels from right to left, symbolizing the conferring of degrees. 

But this year was also unique: Like educational institutions across the United States and the world, the College suddenly switched to online learning this spring. During the Commencement ceremony, graduates gathered with friends and family members in smaller groups as part of global social distancing efforts to contain the spread of the disease. 

Rather than walk across the stage at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), graduates, many wearing caps and gowns at home, were recognized during a live program. Diplomas were sent out by mail.

Praising the resilience of the Class of 2020, President Glotzbach noted there was no playbook for the pandemic, nor for life.

“We all had to make it up as we went along — rather like trying to keep an airplane flying while making emergency repairs. But you rose to the challenge. Along with so many people at our College, you displayed flexibility, inventiveness, perseverance and creativity,” the president told graduates. “Yours is arguably one of the most resilient classes in the College’s history — perhaps the most resilient one.” 

Ballston Spa School Budget and Board Vote Information

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education recently approved a proposed budget of $93,258,635 for the 2020-2021 school year.

The adopted budget reflects a 1.3% budget-to-budget increase, and a 3.53% tax levy increase, with an estimated average of 1.2% tax rate increase across the district (actual tax rates are set in August). The approximate tax impact is a $52 increase for the average single family home assessed at $253,710. 

Voters in the district are encouraged to learn more about the proposed school budget by reviewing the information on the website or in the district newsletter, which is mailed to all district residences. In addition, residents may call the district’s budget hotline with specific questions for the Assistant Superintendent for Business at 518-884-7195, ext. 1320. Questions and comments may also be sent via the comments section on the district website. 

The annual statewide School Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections is being held by absentee ballot only. All registered voters will be receiving information on the process in the mail in early June. Ballots must be received in the mail, or in the ballot drop box, which will be placed at the entrance of the District Office at 70 Malta Avenue, by 5 p.m. on June 9, 2020. 

There are two full term, three year, board seats up for election this year, commencing in July 2020. Interested voters will select from the following candidates: Matthew Dreher, Rebekah Deuel-Jones, Susan Filburn, Lillian McCarthy, Susan Moore, David Newell, and Katie Whittemore. Board of Education candidates have provided video statements that can be reviewed on the district website. Additional candidate information is also being posted by the Saratoga County League of Women Voters.

Please see the district newsletter for additional information, visit the budget pages of the district website at www.bscsd.org/Page/13104 or call 518-884-7195 ext. 1320 for additional information.

Online Plant-Based Cooking Classes Invite Capital Region Residents to Improve Health

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Food for Life Sessions Provide Education and Recipes to Reduce Chronic Health Conditions

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local plant-based cooking and nutrition instructor Deb Czech is teaming up with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to bring online classes to Capital Region residents. Food for Life classes help people improve their health through a plant-based diet. 

Czech is the owner of Planted Platter of Saratoga Springs, a business providing plant-based programs to individuals, workplaces, and food service operations.

Due to COVID-19, Food for Life classes are now being offered online for the first time. Czech and her fellow Food for Life instructors across the United States and abroad will teach participants how plant-based diets can help achieve weight loss and prevent and sometimes reverse chronic diseases, including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Planted Platter’s summer class schedule will include both day and evening sessions. 

“These Food for Life classes will not only teach people the benefits of plant-based eating, but also show them how to put together simple, affordable meals. We will discuss strategies to shift to eating more plant foods, while respecting everyone’s need to make changes at their own pace,” says Czech. “With the current issues surrounding the country’s meat supply and interest in reducing COVID-19 risks associated with underlying health conditions, people are especially curious right now about plant-based meal options.”

Each class covers important nutrition topics with short videos from the Physicians Committee’s medical team followed by Czech teaching students how they can put this information into practice in delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with underlying health conditions—such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—make up the majority of COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Plant-based diets are scientifically proven to prevent and even reverse many of those diseases.

“We’re all looking for ways to stay as healthy as we can during this unprecedented time,” says Susan Levin, MS, RD, director of nutrition education for the Physicians Committee. “Food for Life classes give people the tools they need to stay healthy. From the comfort of their homes, participants will learn about topics including foods that support the immune system, diabetes prevention and reversal, heart health, and maintaining a healthy weight, as well as tips on planning a budget-friendly menu with pantry staples.”

Czech became a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee in 2019 and has been a plant-based eater and cook since 2012.

Designed by physicians, nurses, and registered dietitians, Food for Life is an award-winning nutrition education and cooking class program that provides an innovative approach to diet-related chronic diseases. Since 2001, Food for Life has been a pioneer in delivering hands-on information about the direct role of plant-based nutrition in health and disease prevention to communities around the world.

In June, a one-hour “lunch and learn” series will occur on Tuesdays (June 9, 16, 23) from 12-1 p.m. In both June and July, on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m., classes will cover topics such as boosting immunity and fighting cancer (July 6-7), healthy heart and blood pressure (June 8-9 or July 13-14), and diabetes and weight control (June 15-16 or July 20-21).

Statement from Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly Regarding The Killing of George Floyd

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Recent days remind us that we all need to speak when we see injustice,” city Mayor Meg Kelly told the City Council June 2.  “The events in Minneapolis last week that saw a black man pleading for his life under the knee of an officer – while several other officers either assisted or stood by – can only happen again if each of us forget our outrage,” Kelly said. “All of us must galvanize our current feelings and demand change in our institutions that allows such racial discrimination. I know that Saratoga Springs is a city to lead this.” 

Protests have been staged every day this week opposite City Hall on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. On June 1, city Police Chief Shane Crooks and a handful of members of the city police department joined protesters gathered at the location. 

“I do believe our police department is the leader of this charge. They went out there, they took a knee with the protesters,” Mayor Kelly said. “Our policemen and policewomen really know our community and they work really hard at all relations.” 

Horse Racing Resumes This Week – With Changes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association opened for training at both the Oklahoma Training Track and Saratoga Race Course this week, coinciding with the return to racing at Belmont Park. 

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, however, both NYRA track locations will undergo big changes. The Belmont Park spring/summer meet will be held without spectators in attendance and much  the same is anticipated for the Saratoga meet, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 16 and run through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.

The Oklahoma facility was originally slated to open April 15. NYRA says after consultations with the NYSGC and state and local public health officials, it has implemented a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols designed to protect and mitigate risk for employees, horsemen, backstretch workers and the Saratoga community.

The Oklahoma Training Track and Whitney Viewing Stand will be closed to owners and the public. Access will be restricted to essential personnel duly licensed by NYRA and the New York State Gaming Commission.

All personnel working at the Oklahoma Training Track must test negative for COVID-19 or test positive for the antibodies for COVID-19. This applies to both local personnel as well as those arriving from other regions.

All personnel licensed and approved to be on the property will be required to complete a daily health screening and temperature check conducted by trained EMTs. Face masks or coverings and adherence to strict social distancing measures will be mandatory at all times. Masks and personal protective equipment will be provided.

Saratoga Springs Lions Club Battles Covid-19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club throughout April and May 2020 used a three-prong approach to help thousands of people and appreciate essential front-line workers.

“Our club saw the need and determined that we could utilize different aspects to help so many people in our community during this horrific pandemic” said Lion Club President Sal Bonsangue.

First the Saratoga Springs Lions Club bought six cases, four gallons each case, of hand sanitizer from High Peaks Distilling of Adirondack Pub & Brewery. High Peaks also donated another case. The Lions then delivered a case of sanitizer to each of the following:  Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Fire Department (Lake and West Ave.), Empire Ambulance (West Ave.), Saratoga Police Department, Shelters of Saratoga and the Franklin Community Center.

Secondly, the Saratoga Springs Lions Club donated $500 to each of the following food pantries: Franklin Community Center Food Pantry, The Salvation Army, Wilton Food Pantry, St. Clements Food Pantry, Saratoga EOC Food Pantry, Shelters of Saratoga, Presbyterian Food Pantry and the Saratoga SNACpack program, spending $4000 to help thousands in our Community.

Thirdly, the club focused on showing their appreciation during these tough times to all local front-line workers while helping some local restaurant partners. They utilized Mama Mia’s Restaurant, Panza’s, 99 Restaurant in Wilton, Tinney’s Tavern, and PJ’s BAR-B-QSA. By utilizing and helping restaurant partners, Lions Club was able to provide a lunch for four consecutive weeks to each of the following front line workers in the Saratoga Area:  Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Police Department, Saratoga Fire Department (Lake and West Ave), Empire Ambulance (West Ave), Saratoga Sheriffs Wilton Barracks, The Wesley Community, Four Winds, and Shelters of Saratoga. 

Many thanks go to Advantage Press for donating Saratoga Lions “Thank You for All You Do” stickers which were placed on each meal.

The Lions Club is always looking for new members who want to help our community in our mission areas of Sight, Hearing, Diabetes, Youth, Community, Hunger, Childhood Cancer and Veterans.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club is a volunteer-based service organization with a mission to serve its community and support local youth, promote diabetes prevention, promote sight and hearing conservation, to attack Hunger and Childhood Cancer and help our Veterans. To learn more about the club or to join in helping thousands of people in and around Saratoga Springs, visit our website for more information and how to contact us for membership.

Saratoga County 4-H Celebrates 4-H Seniors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Gallery: 1. Saratoga County 4-H Issue Leader Greg Stevens with 4-H Senior Caleb Wilbur.
2. 4-H Senior Libby Swatling with her brothers Wyatt and Zane.
3/Cover Photo. 4-H Seniors Kurt, Keith, Analiese and Karl Meidenbauer.
Photos provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — You might be seeing a few more signs around Saratoga County as 4-H is celebrating the hard work and accomplishments of 4-H Seniors. Saratoga County 4-H and 4-H Teen Council recently delivered yard signs to 30 4-H Seniors throughout the county. These members will also be recognized with a 4-H Senior Spotlight on the Saratoga County 4-H Facebook page.

Many of these members have spent more than a decade as 4-H members, and several have taken leadership roles in their clubs and the 4-H program as a whole. 

“These young people have worked so hard throughout their 4-H career, whether it is raising 4-H project animals, learning and building project skills, or becoming true leaders, we really just want to recognize that hard work and dedication. With the 2020 Saratoga County Fair being cancelled, we felt it was important to let these young men and women know how proud we are of their accomplishments,” said Leland Bunting, 4-H resource educator. 

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Saratoga County 4-H are excited to recognize and congratulate our Senior 4-H Members.

May 30 – June 5, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

POLICE

Yisel Martinez, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged May 29 with disorderly conduct/ violent behavior. 

Ruth Byrne, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged May 29 with first degree burglary/use of threaten the use of a dangerous instrument, a felony, second degree assault /intent to cause physical injury, a felony, and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor. 

Colby Guilder, 19, of Corinth, was charged May 30 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. 

Terrance Rudes, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged May 25 with misdemeanor petit larceny, and misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

James Altamirano, 39, of Ballston Spa, was charged May 25 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Nathan Shreve, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged May 26 with two counts misdemeanor assault, unlawful imprisonment, criminal obstruction of breathing, felony assault, and felony grand larceny. 

Louis Guerra, 45, of The Bronx, was charged May 26 in Saratoga Springs with criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony. 

Michael June, 36, of Schenectady, was charged May 28 in Saratoga Springs with felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, circumventing interlock, obstructing a governmental official, having no motor vehicle license, and second degree harassment. 

Antonio Lind, 26, of Mechanicville, was charged May 28 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, and speed not prudent or reasonable. 

New York State Police issued more than 8,900 tickets during a special traffic enforcement period during Memorial Day Weekend. During the campaign, which started on Friday, May 22 and ran through 3 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, State Police increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers. The initiative was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). During this enforcement period, State Troopers arrested 203 people for DWI, and investigated 457 crashes, which injured 11 people. State Police responded to two fatal crashes during the weekend. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted drivers speeding and aggressive drivers across the State and issued a total of 8,907 tickets for a variety of vehicle and traffic violations.

COURT

Joseph W. Welch, age 38, of Schroon Lake, was charged May 27 in Saratoga Springs with one misdemeanor count and one felony count assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. Police said at about 7 p.m. May 27 they were called to Railroad Place for a fight-in-progress involving two men, and that a subsequent investigation allegedly showed that Welch, who was one of the two men, was the aggressor. The victim was a 35-year-old man who sustained minor injuries. Welch was additionally found to have an open warrant with the Saratoga Springs Police Department that stemmed from an incident that took place March 4 on West Harrison Street where it is alleged Welch assaulted a 40-year-old male victim by cutting the victim’s face with a knife. The victim, due to the nature of the injury, was transported to Albany Medical Center for emergency treatment. The injury, while significant, was not life threatening. Welch was arraigned on May 28 and sent to jail without bail.

State Police in Saratoga arrested 29-year-old Kyle C. Hitchcock of Malta, on May 26. Hitchcock was charged with the misdemeanors: criminal mischief in the fourth-degree/ prevent emergency call; criminal mischief in the fourth-degree/ intent to damage property, and petit larceny, as well as the violation of harassment in the second-degree. Troopers responded to a residence in Ballston Lake regarding a domestic dispute. After speaking with the parties involved, it was determined that Hitchcock had struck the victim and taken their car keys when they tried to leave. He is also accused of breaking the victim’s cellphone when they attempted to contact police. Hitchcock was taken into custody and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned in Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on July 15. 

June 5 – June 11, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Wednesday, June 10

Barbeque Chicken Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
For curbside pick up only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: ½ barbeque chicken, macaroni salad, cole slaw, corn bread. Dinner for 2, $25 (cash only)

Friday, June 12

Fantastic Food Truck Corral 
Washington County Fairgrounds
392 Old Schuylerville Road, Greenwich | 4 – 8 p.m.
Enjoy fair food from the comfort of your own home! Get some of your fair food favorites for takeout or curbside pickup. Each week the Washington County Fairgrounds will be posting information about the food trucks joining them as well as their menu options. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more information: www.facebook.com/WashingtonCountyFairNewYork/

Sunday, June 21

Annual Strawberry Social
Wilton Heritage Museum
5 Parkhurst Road, Wilton | 1 – 4 p.m.
The Wilton Heritage Society’s annual strawberry social will be held on Sunday, June 21st at the, from 1 to 4 p.m.  Curbside pickup ONLY.  Donation $5.  Collected in jar, exact cash.  Strawberries, home-made biscuits, freshly whipped cream. Sorry we cannot socialize as usual because of New York State’s restrictions.