Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA COUNTY — In commemoration of “beef month,” Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, and New York Beef Council (NYBC) hosted a celebration at the New York State Capitol in Albany on May 12. 

The event brought together beef producers, industry leaders, and elected officials to celebrate the role of beef in New York agriculture.

During the event, Assemblywoman Woerner presented a formal bi-partisan, bi-cameral resolution, officially declaring May as Beef Month in New York State. 

“To celebrate May as Beef Month is to celebrate our state’s beef producers and the significant impact agriculture has on our economy,” Woerner said, in a statement. “It’s also a time to honor the farmers and ranchers who feed our communities and care for the land across generations. Additionally, this annual observance highlights the economic importance of beef to New York’s culinary culture.”

This year’s celebration also included the official announcement of the 2025 Best New York Burger, an NYBC-led competition showcasing chefs’ creativity and skill across the state. Butcher’s Son in Corning, New York, received this year’s award for its Ghost Burger, a fiery flavor-bomb of grassfed patties, candied jalapenos, pickles, cheese and their own legendary barbeque sauce. 

There are more than 13,000 farms across the state raising cattle, showcasing the beef industry as an important part of New York’s agricultural economy, said Binghamton Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, who also serves as Chair of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mayor John Safford on May 5 announced the establishment of a Charter Review Commission tasked with evaluating and recommending revisions to the City’s existing charter. 

The commission’s initial focus will be on proposed changes that the City Council can enact through the adoption of local law, Mayor Safford said in a statement. 

Any recommendations requiring voter approval will be considered for placement on the ballot during the 2026 general election.

Appointed to the 11-member commission: Vince DeLeonardis (chair), Matt Jones, Michael Lenz, Stephen Towne, Deidre Ladd, Robert Murphy, Jr., Lew Benton, Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, Matt Dorsey, Molly Corbett and Matt Veitch.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Two Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) teams from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office recently completed a week-long training event at the New York State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.

Deputy Dave Zecca, with his K-9 partner TJ, and Deputy Crien Salton, with his K-9 partner Flash, participated in the training which was hosted by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. 

This year’s event included 57 explosive detection K-9 teams from across the state as well as approximately 40 instructors from New York and beyond. Both K-9s and their handlers participated in extensive real-world, hands-on training scenarios with the other teams. The training focused on special events/mass gatherings and aviation and marine security as well as the role of EDC teams in gunshot residue cases. It took place at several locations including the Preparedness Training Center, the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, Griffiss International Airport and Lake Delta. 

The training also included several classroom topics including a K-9 health and safety presentation provided by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Additionally, both Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams participated in the National Odor Recognition Testing (NORT) which was administered by the ATF’s National Canine Division. NORT is designed to evaluate a K-9’s ability to recognize fundamental explosives odors and consists of a single-blind test administered by an ATF forensic chemist. 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office currently boasts a K-9 unit consisting of four explosive detection K-9s and three narcotics detection K-9s, many of whom are cross-trained in tracking and criminal apprehension.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA), in partnership with the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, an affiliate of the Capital Region Chamber, presents Inside Ballston Spa, a free public forum focused on workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities in the context of local entrepreneurship and tourism.

The event will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 8 –9:30 a.m. at the Town of Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa.

Inside Ballston Spa offers an opportunity to explore how tourism and workforce development intersect in the Village of Ballston Spa and the Town of Milton—two communities deeply rooted in small business and hospitality. Local business owners, economic development leaders, and community members are invited to join the conversation and gain valuable insight into the forces shaping our local economy.

Check-in, refreshments, and networking begins at 8 a.m. and the program begins with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. from Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Community Advancement, Capital Region Chamber.

Inside Ballston Spa is open to both the business community and residents of Ballston Spa, Milton, and surrounding towns. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating. 

For more details and to register, visit www.capitalregionchamber.com.

Saratoga County — The Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) has been awarded First Place for Large Lake Digital Newsletter by the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA). 

The recognition highlights SLPID’s commitment to lake health, education, and transparent communication with residents and stakeholders.

The award was presented during NYSFOLA’s 2025 annual conference, recognizing the most effective and engaging newsletters among lakes across the state. 

Saratoga Lake plays a vital role in the region’s environmental, recreational, and economic health. As a popular destination for boating, fishing, and tourism, maintaining the lake’s ecological integrity is essential to preserving property values, supporting local businesses, and ensuring public enjoyment for generations.

SLPID is a NYS government-established improvement district that manages and protects Saratoga Lake through scientific monitoring, lake management strategies, and community outreach. Its work supports the lake’s long-term health while balancing recreational use and environmental sustainability.

For more information on Saratoga Lake, visit http://www.slpid.org or call 518-223-3252.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH) has launched a public dashboard with local data on birth rates and birth outcomes and has created a mailer for parents of newborns that includes resources for families in Saratoga County. 

These two new family health initiatives will provide valuable insights and resources to support new parents, healthcare providers, and early education providers in the County. 

This new dashboard offers valuable insights into maternal and infant health outcomes. The data includes statistics on birth rates, preterm births, birth weights, infant feeding methods and other key indicators. Healthcare providers, early care and education programs, school districts, and researchers can use this critical information to identify needs, monitor outcomes, and tailor programs to support the well-being of families across the county. 

The new parent mailing initiative provides essential resources for families of newborns including information on breastfeeding support, parenting programs, food assistance, immunizations, developmental milestones, mental health services and more. The mailing also includes a brief survey, giving parents an opportunity to share their experiences and challenges, which will help SCDOH better understand and respond to the evolving needs of families across the county. Families don’t need to sign up to receive this valuable resource. 

To see the SCDOH Family Health Dashboard, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/data.  

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques and farm products for the annual craft fair on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..  

No mass-produced or commercially-made items will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors.  This is a rain or shine event. 

Visit www./brooksidemuseum.org for more information, or contact Beth Silvestri at bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.