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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Shelters of Saratoga Responds to COVID-19

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) Executive Director Karen Gregory announced Sunday that The Holiday Inn, located in downtown Saratoga Springs, will serve as a temporary location for the city’s homeless. 

Isolating people experiencing homelessness in individual hotel rooms with access to private bathrooms is the best possible solution to facilitate safe distancing and the ability to practice good hygiene thus preventing a community-wide spread of COVID-19. Food service, basic necessities and case management is being provided to those staying in the hotel. The shelters on Walworth Street remain open and SOS is serving over 100 people through the outreach program, which provides people with food and hygiene products. 

“Our number one priority is the health and safety of people we are helping each day. Social distancing and hygiene is the only way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, people experiencing homelessness don’t have the ability to stay home.” Gregory said. “People experiencing homelessness don’t have regular access to sinks where they can wash their hands and those staying at homeless shelters can’t always remain six feet from another person. There are simply too many people and not enough space.” Quarantine for a sick or exposed individual would not be possible in these settings.

In addition, homeless individuals face a variety of issues when it comes to COVID-19. Age, poor health, disability, and living conditions make them highly vulnerable to illness. Once the virus is introduced to this high-risk population, further transmission will be very difficult to contain. As such, Shelters of Saratoga initiated this proactive, rapid response plan for this crisis.

Gregory stated “I made several requests to Saratoga County to move our shelters into a local hotel before someone was symptomatic or tested positive for COVID-19. I was told over and over again that would not be possible until somebody tested positive, although I explained at that point it would be too late and I was afraid we would have a shelter full of very sick people including my staff. Ultimately, I did not want anyone to die.”

When Gregory voiced her concerns and ideas to Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly, the Mayor was immediately aligned with her worries. They met the next morning and started going door to door to find a hotel. Kevin Tuohy, General Manager of the Holiday Inn in Saratoga, offered his support immediately and without hesitation. 

While the guests will be staying at the hotel, Gregory has opted to move in as well to keep operations running smoothly. “Although, I miss my family tremendously, it is critically important to me, to keep both my family safe as well as the people SOS is serving.”

Kelly shared this, “As Mayor, it’s my job to protect all of my citizens, including and especially those most vulnerable. Current federal and state guidelines for COVID-19 and homeless individuals set a reactive threshold – quarantine only after an individual presents with symptoms. For our city, this was not a high enough standard. I’m proud that Saratoga Springs is joining a short, but growing list of communities across the country prepared to prevent infection and spread among our homeless population by using hotels to practice social distancing and enable access to adequate hygiene, hand washing, and quarantine. This will save lives. And I’m grateful to Shelters of Saratoga’s Executive Director, Karen Gregory for her agility in the face of this crisis and to Kevin Tuohy, General Manager of the Holiday Inn here in Saratoga for stepping forward.” 

Saratoga Hospital Offers Telehealth Services to Meet the Needs of Patients During Pandemic

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital is tapping technology to continue to meet patients’ needs during the coronavirus pandemic. The hospital offers telehealth appointments to outpatients who can’t or don’t need to be seen face-to-face, including video urgent care appointments at Malta Med Emergent Care.

“Our patients come first, and we want to make sure they feel safe and cared for,” said Kimberly Leon, director of specialty practices for Saratoga Hospital Medical Group. “Caring for patients doesn’t stop simply because the world is experiencing a crisis.”

Saratoga Hospital Medical Group is the hospital’s multispecialty practice of doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The group has more than 250 providers in over 30 medical specialties. Many whose patients can be served remotely are taking advantage of the telehealth option.

“In some cases, maybe the patient can wait,” Leon said. “But if they’re anxious and would feel better being seen by their healthcare provider, a telehealth visit can provide some much-needed and beneficial reassurance.”

Telehealth technology also appeals to sick patients who are worried they will be exposed to the new coronavirus if they seek treatment at a healthcare facility. For these patients, Malta Med Emergent Care, a joint venture of Saratoga Hospital and Albany Med, offers virtual urgent care appointments from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

To request an appointment, patients can go online, click on“Book a Telehealth Appointment,” and answer a list of questions. If their condition can be diagnosed and treated remotely, patients receive a text notifying them of their appointment. At the scheduled time, depending on the make of their device, patients receive a video call via FaceTime or an email invite from Webex to join their visit. 

“We’re hearing that people are afraid to come in,” said Lisa West, site administrator at Malta Med Emergent Care. “As long as we can see the patient, we should be able to diagnose most urgent care problems. We’d rather see them virtually as soon as possible, so we can begin treatment and prevent them from getting worse.

“We’ve always been here for the community,” she added, “and we don’t want that to change because of the coronavirus.”

Saratoga Hospital also is sensitive to the concerns of family members who cannot visit hospitalized patients during the pandemic. Dr. Kevin Dooley and physician assistant Seana Mosher, of the hospital’s Inpatient Transition Program, provide phone updates to keep families in the loop.

 “We know that our restricted visitation policy, while necessary, places an extra burden on patients and family and friends who cannot visit,” said Dooley, medical director of the program, which helps high-risk hospital patients successfully transition to home. “Seana and I are checking in on inpatients and updating their families.

“We’re letting them know the extra steps we’re taking during this unprecedented time and reassuring them that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care,” he added.

 Family members can request an update from Dooley or Mosher by calling 518-886-5060.

City Mayor Meg Kelly Offers Saratogians A Challenge: Deadline May 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mayor Meg Kelly of the City of Saratoga Springs has challenged the residents of Saratoga Springs to complete their 2020 Census. As of April 8, the City is just over 44% of residents self-responding, and the Mayor is challenging citizens to do their part to hit 80% by May 1.

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Census statistics help determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated every year for the next 10 years towards education, emergency services, healthcare, and economic development. 

The U.S. Census Bureau offers three ways for citizens to self-respond: mail, phone, and for the first time, online. 

Saratoga Springs’ residents can call 1-844-330-2020 (1-844-468-2020 for Spanish) to give their response to the U.S. Census Bureau over the phone, or visit: my2020census.gov to quickly and easily complete the questionnaire. 

Open to Saratoga Residents: Drive-Up Coronavirus Testing Site Opens in Queensbury

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

QUEENSBURY — A drive-up novel coronavirus public testing site opened in Queensbury April 9 providing the availability of COVID-19 tests for residents of Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton and Essex counties, according to Warren County Public Health Services. 

The mobile site is the second in the region, a new state-run drive-up test site opened on the University at Albany campus on April 6. 

Glens Falls Hospital and Warren County Public Health Services worked together to open the most recent public testing site on the Warren County Municipal Center campus.

According to a statement, the site will be open for drive-up public testing only for those who have obtained medical authorization. Anyone who believes they should be tested should contact their medical provider. Those wishing to have a test performed will need to get an order from their health provider, who will then contact Warren County Public Health Services to arrange a time for the test. The site will be staffed by Glens Falls Hospital personnel in personal protective equipment.

Testing site staff will be able to handle 50 or so tests per day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Results through a state laboratory will take 3 to 5 days.

The Municipal Center is located off Route 9 in Queensbury, near Exit 20 of the Northway. Those who have doctors’ orders for a test will follow electronic signs on Route 9 that will direct them to the testing location at the rear of the county complex. They will be asked to enter the Municipal Center through Glen Lake Road.

Saratoga Springs Porch Packages

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile are delivering Saratoga Porch Packages near and far.

In response to having to close our doors until further notice Impressions and Dark Horse have developed “Porch Packages” to send Saratoga Springs to friends and family all over the country. The stores had to come up with creative ways to keep business going through these difficult times. And Porch Packages have been the answer so far.

Each Porch Package is delivered in reusable Saratoga tote and filled with locally made food products and Saratoga specific items. There are basic “pre-assembled” Porch Packages at $25 and $50 price points featuring all Saratoga made food products. As well as, specialty Porch Packages for anyone you can think of… chocolate lovers, dog or cat owners, horse lovers, whisky or wine enthusiasts. Porch Packages are fully customizable.

BUZZ PorchPackage2

Marianne Barker and Maddy Zanetti, Co-Owners, are “contactless delivering” all local Porch Packages by walking (with the Impressions Pups of course), biking, or driving them to their destination. But many are being shipped as well! “Saratoga Springs lovers are all over America and many are unable to visit right now. We wanted to help people brighten up their friends’ and families’ days,” says Zanetti. “We’ve been very busy with Easter Porch Packages, all of the chocolate bunnies were made by Saratoga Candy Co.”

“It has been really fun to work with customers to figure out what they want in each bag. Since people can’t come into the store and there are so many options we have become ‘personal shoppers’ in a sense. Helping each person make the perfect Porch Package,” says Barker. “We have been really happy with the response. And it is great that we are able to help other local businesses too.”

Zanetti says, “Social media has been a huge help, we post photos every day of our deliveries and the Porch Packages we made for people. We have been using the #ImpressionsPorchPackages and people receiving the gifts have been sharing photos as well. We’ve even had customers order them to be anonymously left on stranger’s porches to help people get through these tough times.”

Porch Packages can be ordered Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. by calling 518-587-0666 or 24 hours a day online at ImpressionsSaratoga.com. Porch Packages are distributed with “contactless delivery.”

Scholarship Award to Senior at Schuylerville

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Old Saratoga Historical Association will award the Francis Ostrander Scholarship of $500 to a member of the senior class at Schuylerville Central High School who will be attending a two or four year college in the fall. 

A $350 scholarship will be awarded to the runner-up.  Applicants must complete a 600-word essay on one of two topics, which are: the role Philip Schuyler played in the development of Old Saratoga OR how living in an historic village or area has influenced my life.

Submit applications by May 1 to Patricia Peck, 178 Wagman’s Ridge, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.  A short statement with the name, address, and career plans of the applicant and the college that the applicant will attend should accompany the essay.  Announcement of the scholarship recipients will be made at commencement. 

Frances Ostrander was a charter and life member of the Old Saratoga Historical Association who worked diligently for nearly fifty years to raise funds and secure furnishings for the Philip Schuyler House and to assist in giving tours of this historic landmark.  The Association provides programs and activities that help people understand and appreciate the historical significance of the Schuylerville area.

For further information call 518-584-4129.

H.O.P.E.’s Virtual Walk for the Animals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — H.O.P.E.’s 17th annual Spring Walk for the Animals has gone “virtual.” 

This April 25, help us continue to save local homeless and abandoned animals by taking a walk at any time of the day with your dogs, family, children or just you while knowing you’re contributing to our life saving work in our community and beyond. 

Your registration donation of ANY amount via our website or by check to our new Wilton Mall address will ensure that you’ll be a part of this new and exciting virtual fundraiser! Be sure to notate that your donation is your “walk registration fee.” 

The first 100 participants will receive a nice gift of a doggie blanket, dog toy, or dog treats, and can pick them up at the Pet Center when we reopen. You can also participate in our traditional contests to win great prizes by sending in your videos and photos to HOPE2994@outlook.com. Notating any of the following contests:

• Best Doggy Smile
• Best Wagging Tail 
• Best Pet/Owner Look Alike
• Best Dressed Pet
• Best Trick

We’d love to see your fun walk videos. Thank you for your continued support of our mission for animals. We would not exist without you and the love we share for pets and all they bring into our lives.

Front Line Appreciation Group Saratoga Raised Over $22k in One Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — FLAG Saratoga announced in just one week they have raised more than $22,000 to help feed the front line workers during the Covid-19 pandemic while also keeping Saratoga-area restaurants in business. 

To kick off their efforts, staff members at Saratoga Hospital were treated to a delicious Easter Dinner on Sunday from Panzas Restaurant. To date, there have been more than 500 “FLAG” meals arranged and delivered to the front line workers at Saratoga Hospital, Wilton Medical Arts and Malta Medical Care. 

FLAG Saratoga was organized by four Saratoga residents: Nadine Burke, Becky Kern, Andrea Macy and Lisa Munter. It was inspired by an organization that had started in New Jersey and has grown into a national movement with local chapters in 21 states and growing. 

Working along with the Saratoga Hospital Foundation as well as the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. So far, more than a dozen restaurants and eateries have signed up including: Panzas, Putnam Market, Saratoga Broadway Deli, the Palette Café and more.

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation will work directly with the restaurants in ordering, delivering and distributing meals based on the needs of the staff. There will also be break-room snacks and grab-and-go boxes also provided.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that we have received from the entire community,” said co-founder, Nadine Burke. “I knew that Saratoga would be the perfect place to organize a local Flag group. Our area is filled with so many generous and resilient people who are always willing to give back and help each other.” 

April 11 – April 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

 

COURT

Tyler S. Moon, 34, of South Glens Falls was charged April 6 with criminal possession of stolen property, a felony, tampering with physical evidence, a felony, and the misdemeanors: criminal possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, and use of a vehicle without an interlock device. The incident occurred after State Police in Saratoga attempted to stop Moon on the I-87 northbound off ramp, after the car that he was operating was reported stolen. The victim of the theft had reported that an unknown person had stolen his 2009 Saturn from the parking lot of the Stewart’s Shop on Route 9 in Ballston Spa. Moon allegedly stopped on the exit ramp and fled on foot. He was taken into custody a short time later and was also allegedly found to be in possession of multiple dosage units of Suboxone, some of which he attempted to consume in order to conceal the evidence, according to authorities. Moon was issued an appearance ticket for Saratoga City Court on May 21.

Joshua A. Pullar, 20, of Corinth, was charged April 7 with menacing in the second-degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth-degree, both misdemeanors. The incident occurred after State Police in Wilton located Pullar pumping gas at the Mobil gas station on Ballard Road after receiving a complaint that he had pointed what appeared to be a handgun at another vehicle. Further investigation revealed Pullar was allegedly in possession of a pistol-like BB gun, which was located in his vehicle by patrols. Pullar is accused of pointing the BB gun at another vehicle he was having a dispute with, while traveling on the Northway in the Town of Malta. He was issued an appearance ticket for Malta Town Court on May 21.

Juan A. Vasquez, 46, of South Glens Falls, was charged April 11 with second degree murder, and tampering with physical evidence.  Vasquez was charged in the stabbing death of 30-year-old Kenny J. Shipski Jr., also of South Glens Falls, whose body was located in a room at the Clear View Motel, according to police. Preliminary investigation determined the victim was stabbed multiple times. Vasquez was arraigned in Moreau Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail without bail.

Todd A. Buchas, age 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 13 with three felonies and one misdemeanor in connection with an investigation that involved a female victim under the age of 13. Police said they were called to a house in Saratoga Springs om April 9 in reference to a sex offense complaint. The suspect in the incident, Todd Buchas, had left the scene prior to officers arriving. State Police subsequently located Buchas outside the city a short time later and took him into custody. The victim was known to Buchas, police said. Buchas was charged with one misdemeanor – acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17, and three felonies: predatory sex assault against child, rape in the first-degree degree, and sexual abuse in the first-degree. He was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail without bail.

POLICE

Joshua Usher, 27, of Clifton Park, was charged April 6 with criminal contempt in the second-degree, a misdemeanor. 

David Burke, 51, of Galway, was charged April 7 in Saratoga Springs with unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Darrick Conners, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 5 with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Tammy Clark, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 12 with criminal contempt, a misdemeanor. 

Larry Stalbum, 56, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 12 with criminal mischief, criminal obstruction of breathing, and assault in the third- degree. All charges are misdemeanors. 

Barry Henning Gustafson

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GREENFIELD CENTER — Barry Henning Gustafson, 73 died peacefully on April 8, 2020 after a two year battle with brain cancer.Memorial contributions may be made to Presbyterian New England Congregational church Memorial Fund (24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs) and/or the Glioblastoma Foundation (P.O. Box 62066, Durham, N.C. 27715). Visit burkefuneralhome.com.