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Author: Saratoga TODAY

City Council About to Make an Unfortunate Choice

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Saratoga Springs Politics.

Jennifer Leidig has resigned from the Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission, leaving a vacancy. The Commission has three members. No two can be affiliated with the same political party according to the city charter . Currently one is a Democrat ( Joanna Zangrando), one is a Republican (Tim Holmes), and one is a registered voter with no party affiliation (Ms. Leidig) The Commissioners serve six year staggered terms.

While usually it has been the Mayor who nominates individuals to fill vacancies on this Commission, the City Charter gives the Council the authority to vote to appoint the members.

This time Mayor John Safford has put forward Vince DeLeonardis’s name, but Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran is supporting Jeff Altamari to fill Ms. Leidig’s position. Both candidates are registered voters with no party affiliation so both are technically able to be appointed to the Commission. Mr. Altamari, however, has a very partisan history of supporting the local Democrats and has no experience with municipal employment issues. In contrast Mr. DeLeonardis has stayed clear of partisan politics and as former City Attorney from 2014 to 2022 has extensive knowledge of city civil service issues.

The Saratoga Springs Civil Service Commission is responsible for adopting and modifying local civil service rules, classifying positions and adopting job descriptions, administering the civil service examination process, overseeing and authorizing all employment transactions, and maintaining the official employment records for all employees of the City of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Springs Central School District, the Saratoga Springs Public Library, the City Center and the Housing Authority. Readers will remember that controversial issues like whether the Risk and Safety Director should have been under the direction of Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran or Mayor Ron Kim were decided ultimately by the city’s Civil Service Commission.

A Titular Independent

The following are the donations made by Mr. Altamari since July 2020. As is clear, Mr. Altamari’s donations are all to Democrats.

In addition to making donations, Mr. Altamari has served as the treasurer for Joanne Yepsen (D), Meg Kelly (D), and Gordon Boyd (D). He may have served other candidates but these are the three I was able to find. Again, the only candidates he has served as treasurer are all Democrats.

This is a picture of Mr. Altamari at a Democratic Fundraiser from 2017. Mr. Altamari is on the left.

Mr. Altamari had a successful career as an executive with an oil company in Texas and has retired to Saratoga Springs.

While technically, Mr. Altamari is eligible for the independent seat on the Civil Service Commission, his records indicate a strong identification with the Democratic Party.

In October 2017, I posted about an intemperate and inaccurate letter to the editor Mr. Altamari wrote attacking then Accounts Commissioner John Franck. Readers might take the time to watch the video associated with his letter and decide for themselves whether my characterization of it was appropriate.

A Real Independent

Like Mr. Altamari, Vince DeLeonardis is an unaffiliated registered voter. Unlike Mr. Altamari, though, Mr. DeLeonardis has not made a contribution to either the Democrats or the Republicans. His only contribution was to the One Saratoga Party. Readers may remember that this party endorsed both Democrats and Republicans, which, to my mind, epitomizes who would be best suited to act as an independent on the Commission.

More importantly, Mr DeLeonardis served as the City Attorney from October ,2014, until he was unceremoniously dismissed by Mayor Kim in January, 2022. During his tenure, he worked collegially and effectively with the elected officials of both parties on the Council. He established a record of fairness and thoroughness. Clearly, his long tenure as City Attorney means that he would have a much greater understanding of our city government’s staffing than Mr. Altamari who’s only experience was in the private sector.

To this blogger, there is no comparison between the qualifications of Mr. DeLeonardis and Mr. Altamari.

Golub Yet Again The Swing Vote

It is my understanding that Mayor Safford approached Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub to inquire which of the two men he intended to vote for. Golub told him he was supporting Altamari. As Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi has reliably supported every resolution brought forward by Commissioner Moran, so Golub’s vote guarantees that Altamari will be the next appointed member of the Civil Service Commission.

I texted Commissioner Golub, asking him why he was supporting Altamari over DeLeonardis. He never responded.

This is all very disappointing. DeLeonardis was an extraordinary City Attorney who would have provided an invaluable voice on the Commission.

Suburban Propane Collaborates with Operation Adopt A Soldier in Saratoga to Provide More than 500 Care Packages for Troops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Representatives from Suburban Propane’s Fort Edward, location assembled care packages at Operation Adopt A Soldier in Saratoga. Photo provided.

WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY — More than 500 care packages were assembled for local troops serving overseas. The event involved a collaboration between Suburban Propane Partners and Operation Adopt A Soldier and included letters written by Suburban Propane employees from across the region, snacks, games, and other necessities that will serve as a reminder of home and a symbol of gratitude for their service. 

“Operation Adopt A Soldier is an all-volunteer, not for profit 501c3 organization with a goal to raise and maintain awareness to the American people of the day to day sacrifices our military men and women and their families make to protect our freedoms,” Cliff Seguin, Founder and Chairman, Operation Adopt A Soldier, said in a statement.  “In 2023, we mailed over 6,300 boxes to our troops and are so grateful to Suburban Propane for their support so that we can be as successful this year.”

 

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Operation Adopt A Soldier, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Cliff Seguin and Dominick Commisso at the Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton. 

“As a veteran employer, Suburban Propane is honored to join Operation Adopt A Soldier in their mission to support our troops, who selflessly serve this country every day to protect our freedoms,” said Nandini Sankara, of Suburban Propane. 

The company is a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, renewable natural gas, fuel oil and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives. 

Skidmore Baseball and Softball Players Named to All-Liberty League Teams

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five members of the Skidmore College baseball team and three members of the Skidmore softball team were voted to All-Liberty League teams.

Junior Zachary Leiderman was voted to the first team, and senior Ameer Hasan was selected for the second team. Senior Christian Giresi, junior Trey Bourque, and freshman Owen Roy all received honorable mention.

Leiderman was named to the first team as a designated hitter. His batting average for the season was .388. Among all Liberty League players, he was fifth in total hits (52) and tenth in slugging percentage (.560). Hasan, a southpaw pitcher, finished third in the league with a 3.28 ERA. He was also ninth in strikeouts with 44. 

For softball, senior Grace O’Connell was named to the first team, while senior Bernie Berner made the second team. Sophomore Elle Harrison received honorable mention.

O’Connell, an outfielder, was an offensive juggernaut this season. Among all Liberty League players, she was first in stolen bases (30), second in batting average (.454) and hits (54), third in OPS (1.047), and fourth in runs (29) and on-base percentage (.484). Berner, a utility player, posted a .950 fielding percentage for the year. She also finished with a .355 battering average and .456 on-base percentage.

Belmont Post Times Announced

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced post times for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at the Saratoga Race Course from Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9.

Post time for the 10-race program on June 6 is 12:50 p.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 11 a.m.

Post time for the 12-race program on June 7 is 12:20 p.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 10:30 a.m.

Post time for the 14-race Belmont Stakes Day program on June 8 is 10:45 a.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 9 a.m.

Post time for the 10-race New York Showcase Day program on June 9 is 12:50 p.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 11 a.m.

Gavin Park Hosting Abigail Jenks Memorial Ruck Race

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gavin Park will host the Abigail Jenks Memorial Ruck Race at 9 a.m. on Memorial Day. The 5K is in honor of all those who died in the line of duty, especially Specialist 4th Class Abigail Jenks, a town of Wilton resident and Saratoga Springs class of 2019 graduate.

Proceeds go towards the Abigail Jenks Scholarship at Saratoga High School, awarded to graduating seniors enlisting in the military; as well as the Veterans Community Housing Coalition, a local organization that advocates for veterans seeking housing. 

Tickets are available for both racers and non-racers. Racers must be prepared with either a rucksack, weighted backpack, or weighted vest. Army standard is 35 pounds. Non-racer tickets are for those who wish not to carry the extra weight. All ticket holders will receive a t-shirt.

The race will begin at the large pavilion after a prayer service, National Anthem performance, and some words from Abigail’s mother. Refreshments will be available before and after the race.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://zippy-reg.com/online_reg/?e=2042.

Ballston Spa Students Win Physical Education Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — Six Ballston Spa Middle School students were recently presented with the Sandy Morley Physical Education Leadership Award. The winners were selected by the PE staff for demonstrating leadership and responsibility in the PE program, being respectful of others, making good decisions, valuing learning, staying physically active, and having a positive influence on their peers.

 “You were nominated by the PE staff for these characteristics and we congratulate you on standing up for what is right, not what is always popular,” said PE Instructor Kevin Dayton in a statement. “Please keep leading the way as you always have; today, tomorrow, and into the future.”

The 8th grade students that won the award were Owen Fersch, Jeffrey Fumarola, Aiden Werner, Mackenzie Johnson, Natalie Thomas, and Haley Wiltsie.

Dispatch, The Revivalists Headline Memorial Day Weekend Meltdown in Lake George

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

LAKE GEORGE — This year’s Memorial Day weekend festival in Lake George features Dispatch, The Revivalists and more.

The Memorial Meltdown event takes place at the Charles R. Wood Park in downtown Lake George on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday May 26. 

Headliners include The Revivalists (Saturday) and Dispatch (Sunday), along with performances by Ryan Montbleau Band, The Mallett Brothers Band and Rob Beaulieu Band on Saturday and Mihali (Live Band), The Samples and Annie in the Water on Sunday.

Formed by Chadwick Stokes and Brad Corrigan, Dispatch has forged its own path outside the mainstream music industry as one of the most successful bands in the roots rock scene, selling out three nights at Madison Square Garden and drawing over 100,000 fans to a massive outdoor show in their adopted hometown of Boston without any traditional radio or major label support.

Eight-piece rock ‘n’ roll collective The Revivalists have made the journey from hole-in-the-wall gigs to sold-out shows at hallowed venues, multiplatinum success, more than 800 million streams and major media praise.

The two-day event will also feature a variety of food and craft vendors.  Gates open each day at 2:30 p.m. with music set to begin at 3:30 p.m. and run until about 11 p.m. Tickets for this all-ages event are on sale at: www.memorialmeltdown.com.

“Women Aren’t Funny” Stages Anniversary Show at UPH June 5

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Women Aren’t Funny,” the all-female comedy show, is celebrating its one-year anniversary at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs on June 5. 

 Since its debut one year ago, Women Aren’t Funny has been packing the community room at UPH on the first Wednesday of each month, when talented women from the Capital Region and beyond have brought audiences non-stop laughter and entertainment.

 “I can’t believe it has been a year already,” said the show’s creator and host, Erin Harkes. “I’m so grateful to the fans who come each time, the talented women who have performed each month, and the venue for believing in this show.”

The anniversary show will feature a lineup of hilarious comedians with Harkes headlining as she begins work on her next album. 

Harkes has two albums, one YouTube special, and performs regularly in NYC as a host at New York Comedy Club. She has also opened for Craig Robinson, Demetri Martin and Mark Normand. 

The one-year anniversary of Women Aren’t Funny will be staged at Universal Preservation Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5. Tickets are available at atuph.org or erinharkes.com. 

Kurt Weill, Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel: Opera Saratoga Opens 2024 Season with Cabaret at the Mansion June 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga opens its 2024 season with Cabaret at the Mansion, a showcase of the fabulous voices of this year’s Festival Artists at The Mansion Inn, located only minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs.

“These young singers are some of the best we’ve ever had in Saratoga Springs – they’ve won national awards, sung for big houses like Seattle Opera and many are going to Europe next year,” General and Artistic Director Mary Birnbaum said in a statement. “We are tremendously lucky to have them at Opera Saratoga, and I can assure you you won’t want to miss this chance to hear them in a beautiful, intimate setting.”

The showcase “Cabaret” features many favorites of the cabaret repertoire including highlights of German cabaret, headlining music of Kurt Weill and Arnold Schonberg, French cabaret like Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel, and music of the early American cabaret with pieces by Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter. Finally, a brand new take on the definition of cabaret, with selections by Ricky Ian Gordon, Tania León, and much more!

The performance at Saratoga’s The Mansion Inn is accompanied by a scrumptious buffet and refreshing cocktails prepared by their premier chef, Rick Beiber.

The event takes place Sunday, June 2.  Lunch at 1 p.m., Performance at 2 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m., Performance at 7 p.m. Rain or shine, seating is on the porch, under a tent. 

The Mansion Inn is located at 801 NY 29 Rock City Falls. Web: https://www.themansionsaratoga.com/.

Tickets are available with or without the meal. Visit www.operasaratoga.org/cabaret for more information and or purchase tickets.

Festival of Young Artists at SPAC on June 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists” will return for its seventh annual event on Sunday, June 2 from 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 

Following the theme Rhythm – an inspirational thread woven throughout SPAC’s 2024 season – the festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists all in support of SPAC’s mission to provide free access to enriching arts programs for local youth. 

Featuring students from local schools and organizations such as Empire State Youth Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet, Capital District Arts Initiative, and the SPAC School of the Arts, the afternoon will include individual pop-up performances and art displays, culminating in a large-scale, coordinated production on SPAC’s stage. As part of the production, an original musical composition by festival student, Lucia Vysohlid (Niskayuna HS, Grade 12), will premiere on the SPAC stage, performed by the ESYO Symphony Orchestra, Capital District Youth Chorale, and singers from Saratoga Springs, Schalmont, and Shenendehowa high schools. 

Kicking off at 2 p.m., SPAC’s grounds will be transformed into a festive celebration and will feature individual pop-up performances by student ensembles from the Capital Region, fine art displays, food stands, poetry slams, lawn games and immersive art activities, plus free ice cream provided by Stewart’s Shops. At 4:45 p.m., hundreds of young artists will gather to present a celebratory concert on SPAC’s main stage, featuring large-scale productions that combine music, song, poetry, visual art, and dance. 

This event is free to the community; however, registration is required for admission. Visit spacfoya.org for details.