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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Silver Warriors Homecoming

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

NISKAYUNA — It was homecoming for the Niskayuna Varsity Football Team as the Silver Warriors defeated the Ballston Spa Scotties in a regular season game on Friday, Sept. 24, to secure their third win. 

Niskayuna scored all their points before halftime, to lead 28-0. In the first quarter, Dan Quinn had a 4 yd. scoring run and a 16 yd. TD pass to Dahvion Wimberly. In the second, Quinn threw for 2 more TD passes, one for 22 yds. to Tanner Wood and the other 15 yds. to find Wimberly again. Harvey was 4/4 on extra point attempts. 

Ballston Spa battled back in the second half with Isaiah Hannah and Andrew Kramer’s rushing touchdowns to make the final score 28-14. Hannah had 3 carries for 15 yds. and the 1 TD. Kramer had 5 carries for 10 yds. with the 1 TD. Passing, Kramer completed 4 of 10 attempts for 25 yds. with a long of 11. On defense, Hannah had 5 tackles with 2 for a loss and a fumble recovery. 

Also notable for the Scotties, Darrien Insogna had 18 carries for 142 yds. with a long of 55. Troy Gottman caught 2 passes for 14 yds. and Blaine Zoller caught 1 pass for 11 yds. On defense, Zoller had 5 tackles with one for a loss. Scott Dufore had 4 tackles and an INT. 

Niskayuna improves to 3-1. Ballston Spa falls to 2-2. Ballston Spa will play on their home field Friday, Oct. 1 against the South Glens Falls Bulldogs; kick-off will be at 7 p.m. 

Friday Night Lights: Blue Streaks Homecoming

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was a battle between the red, white, and blue as Saratoga hosted Schenectady on Friday, Sept. 24.  The Blue Streaks came away victorious with a 35-18 win over the Patriots. Over 2,000 people were in attendance for the Class AA football match and Saratoga’s homecoming game. 

Schenectady’s Damire Smith scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4 yd. run after a 10-play scoring drive made by the Patriots. Jakiem Edge made an interception at the Patriot’s 1-yard line for a change in possession, stopping Saratoga from scoring in the first quarter. 

But, as the fans rattled the bleachers 2 minutes into the second quarter, Saratoga’s Rodell Evans evened the score on a 1 yd. run. Schenectady battled back, with Moses Grant also scoring on a 1 yd. run. It was the Blue Streaks who walked away at halftime with the 2-point lead after Gordon Murray’s 20 yd. scoring run and a successful two-point conversion pass from quarterback Nate Siewert to Chris Youngs. 

Saratoga started to run away with the lead after a 17 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Christian Mello in the third quarter, a 30 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Youngs 14 seconds into the fourth, and then Jared Arpey’s 20 yd. TD run. 

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The score was 35-12 in the fourth quarter when Smith had an 80 yd. TD run for Schenectady, making the final score 35-18. Smith finished the game with 13 carries for 170 yds. Also, for the Patriots, Grant had 77 yards on 16 carries. 

For the Blue Streaks, John Bidonde had 92 yards on 14 carries. Evans, also a quarterback, had 73 yards on 9 carries and completed 2 of 5 attempts for 21 yards. Siewert completed 5 of 9 attempts for 52 yards. 

The Blue Streaks league record improves to 1-2, and they are on the road in Guilderland on Friday, Oct. 1. 

Taking place at halftime during the homecoming game, The Best Buddies and Unified Sports programs unveiled a banner honoring Saratoga Springs High School’s as a National Unified Champion School. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion schools in the nation. SSHS is one of 14 schools in New York State to earn this recognition. 

Let The Debates Begin: Saratoga Springs Elections

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

With election day just around the corner, campaign season is in full swing, and candidates are busy working on their platforms.

On Tuesday, Oct. 12 and Thursday, Oct. 21, Saratoga TODAY will be hosting live debates at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The debates will feature candidates vying for all five Saratoga Springs City Council seats as well as the two chairs representing the city at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. 

As of the Sept. 15 deadline both Republicans and Independents had responded that they would be in attendance. Discussions on Covid protocols delayed a commitment from the Democrats. However, on Tuesday September 28, all Democrats agreed to attend the debates. Attendance will be limited to invited guests only. Both debates be available in real-time on Facebook Live.

Readers can send in questions for possible inclusion to: cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

SARATOGA TODAY’S DEBATE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, October 12

Public Works: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Accounts: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Supervisor: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 21

Finance: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Mayor: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Election Day is Nov. 2. There are 17 candidates on the ballot running for five City Council seats, and six candidates seeking either of the two supervisor seats to represent Saratoga Springs at the County Board of Supervisors. 

Under the city’s Commission form of Governing, each of the five council officeholders carry equal weight when it comes to city matters – that is, each of the five votes counts as one. 

In the upcoming council election, four of the five seats will be filled with new members to that seat.  Only DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco is seeking re-election for the seat he currently holds. Current Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, and former Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim, are each seeking election as mayor. 

Two seats are up for vote as City Supervisor. Incumbents Tara Gaston and Matthew Veitch are seeking re-election. Four additional candidates are also vying for the two seats which are voted on individually.   

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Saratoga Springs list of candidates:

Mayor: Robin Dalton (SST); Ronald Kim (D, RS), Maxwell Rosenbaum (WF); Heidi Owen West (R,C).

Commissioner of Public Safety:  David Labate (WF); Tracey Labelle (R,C); James Montagnino (D, RS).

Commissioner of Public Works: Donald Reeder (WF); Anthony “Skip” Scirocco (R, C); Domenique Yermolayev (D, FN). 

Commissioner of Accounts: Samantha Guerra (R,C,WF); Dillon Moran (D, RS), Angela Rella (AC).

Commissioner of Finance: Sierra Hunt (WF); Adam Israel (SST); Joanne Kiernan (R,C); Minita Sanghvi (D, RS). 

Supervisor (two seats): Bruce Altimar (WF); Tara Gaston (D); Gabriel O’Brien (WF); John Safford (R,C); Matthew Veitch (R,C); Shaun Wiggins (RS). 

Parties: D (Democratic); R (Republican); C (Conservative); WF (Working Families); FN (Functional); SST (Saratoga Stronger Together); RS (Resilient Saratoga); AC (Accountability); 

Ballot Proposals:     

In addition to the five council seats and two supervisor seats, city voters may cast a Yes or No vote on five statewide ballot proposals. The five are: 

1. Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process; 

2. Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment; 

3. Eliminating Ten-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement; 

4. Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting; 

5. Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court. 

 

Ballot Proposal 1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

• Freeze the number of state senators at 63

• Amend the process for the counting of the state’s population

• Delete certain provisions that violate the United States Constitution, repeal and amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices. 

The purpose of the proposal is to amend and repeal portions of the state constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2014 that relate to the way district lines for congressional and state legislative offices are determined.

Healthcare Dilemma

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A first wave of vaccine mandates for health care workers landed in New York this week. Saratoga Hospital reported a higher percent of vaccinated employees than most other hospitals across the state, yet still stands to lose dozens of employees. 

“We have about 3,100 staff members across our institution. We had about 150 staff who did not want to get vaccinated, for various reasons, and about half of that number received medical or religious exemption,” said Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone. “We also have a number of employees who are on medical leave – nothing related to COVID or the vaccine. At the end of this process, it looks like we’re going to lose about 60 staff members who departed the organization due to the
vaccine mandate.” 

Some of those 60 employees have chosen to leave the organization, while others who have not met the vaccine requirement are being placed on unpaid leave for a 90-day period, after which their status will be re-evaluated. 

Statewide, there are just over 519,000 total staff in hospitals, and 347,217 direct care/patient-facing staff. Health care workers at hospitals and nursing homes were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with a first dose received by this past Monday, Sept. 27. 

As of this week, 92.3% of all staff and 93.3% of direct care staff have received at least one dose, with an average of 87% of hospital workers having completed the vaccine series, according to the state Department of Health. The latter numbers are up from 77% of hospital workers being fully vaccinated on Aug. 24, shortly after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Sept. 27 mandate.

Of the 10 state-defined regions, the Capital Region shows the highest percentage of hospital workers fully vaccinated – at an average of 94% – with Saratoga and Albany county workers topping the list, each at 95%. Schenectady County hospital workers reported a 94% completion rate, and Warren County hospital workers at 92%. By comparison, several different hospitals across the state reported staff figures in the 70-79% range.     

A Shortage of Workers 

Facilities across the country have been warning about a shortage of health care workers.

“Health care by nature, in my opinion, really draws a wonderful group of people. Our staff have been doing amazing work and taking care of our community, but they’re getting tired,” Calbone said.

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“We’re in the midst of the worse staffing crisis I’ve experienced in my nearly 40-year career. I’ve never seen anything like it. We have staffing shortages across every category, and it is putting great pressure on the health care industry. You can talk to any hospital in the region, and they will tell you the same thing. At the same time, we’re seeing an unprecedented volume of patients. They’re doing great work, but I am worried about them, they’re getting tired,” Calbone said, adding that the hospital actively contacted past employees who might be interested in returning, asked volunteers to step back in, and re-allocated management staff with clinical skills back into clinical roles. “We’re trying just about anything that makes sense and can help out our staff. And we’re looking for anything the state can do to help out.” 

Addressing possible staffing shortages across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced a plan that includes potentially signing an executive order to declare a state of emergency that allows qualified health care professionals licensed in other states or countries, recent graduates, retired and formerly practicing health care professionals to practice in New York State. Another possible option is the deployment of medically trained National Guard members, as well as exploring ways to expedite visa requests for medical professionals.

Vaccine Mandates and Legal Challenges

A handful of lawsuits have been filed in N.Y. challenging the mandate. Some are based on First Amendment rights to practice religion, others seeking potential exemptions for things such as natural immunity, said Leslie Silva, partner at Tully Rinckey attorney law firm in Albany.

From the employer’s perspective, Silva said, “if there is no valid exemption, you haven’t been vaccinated and it is a requirement of your job – especially as a health care worker – your employer can fire you and that’s it. No compensation. As far as unpaid leave, you’re not collecting anything there either. What you’re getting is a promise that your job will be there.” Saratoga Hospital has chosen the latter route. 

In addition to the active mandate calling on healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, healthcare employees who work in adult care, home care, and hospice facilities have until Oct. 7 to receive their first shot.

Calbone said what has been most surprising since the start of the pandemic is an unwillingness by some people to accept the reality of COVID-19. 

“Accepting the seriousness of the reality of this disease, related to masking, and then as the vaccine has rolled out, the resistance to the vaccine. Quite honestly a year ago we all assumed when the vaccine was available people would celebrate and universally step forward to get the vaccine,” he said. “I’ve been disappointed and surprised, but it’s the reality we’re in and we’re working hard to take care of people as they need to be taken care of.” 

90th Annual Wreath Laying at the DAR Monument

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Sept. 19, The Saratoga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Saratoga Battlefield Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution had the 90th Annual Wreath Laying at the DAR Monument to Unknown American Dead at the Saratoga Historical National Park. 

From 1929-1931, the early part of the Great Depression, the DAR collected from the members $11,000 to install the monument at the Battlefield on Oct. 10, 1931. At the base of the monument is a tablet with this inscription: “The unknown soldiers who perished in the battles of Saratoga, Sept. 19 and Oct. 7, 1777, and were here buried in unmarked graves, helped to assure the triumph of the war of independence to create the republic of the United States of America, and to establish liberty throughout the world. In honor of those patriots and in recognition of the bicentennial of the birth of George Washington, this memorial is erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution of New York State.” 

Special guest was New York State Regent Patrice Birner to recognize this special anniversary. If you are interested in joining the DAR, please email saratogadaughters1143@gmail.com. 

Sarah McMahon: Athlete of the Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Sarah McMahon!

Sarah is a senior at Schuylerville High School and is the Captain of the Schuylerville Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team for the second year in a row. Along with being a leader on her own team, she helps the JV players with their soccer skills and development as well. So far this season, Sarah has led the team to a 4-0 record with 0 goals scored against the team. Sarah has scored 6 goals herself so far. 

Sarah is also one of the top students in her class. She has been a volunteer coach with the OSAA (Old Saratoga Athletic Association) rec. soccer program for years. When not working on school and sports, Sarah works on her family’s farm. 

Saratoga Springs Recreation Department

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

Intro to Ice Skating   

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Boxing – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Youth Boxing 

This non-contact clinic will teach proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact will be available for those who want to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coaches approval required.

This clinic is for ages 8–15 and will run from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym at Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Avenue). Fees before Oct. 22 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 22 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring a water, sneakers, and towel. 

 Bowling – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Strike Zone 

See if bowling is up your alley! This so-sponsored program will introduce participants to bowling fundamentals and technique through discussion, demonstration, and practice. Rental shoes and ball provided. 

This program is for ages 8-14; a responsible adult 21 years or older must accompany each participant. It will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 16, Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone (32 Ballston Avenue). Fees before Oct. 4 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 4 are $105 for City residents and $115 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring their own water. 

LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Upcoming golf tournament to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is looking for help from the community. 

Kelli Prestigiacomo recently graduated from the LIVESTRONG program at the Saratoga YMCA – a 12-week training program for cancer survivors. She was so touched by how it helped her physically and mentally that she wanted to give back in some way. Kelli, along with her husband, organized the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble. 

The golf scramble will take place on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club (35 Gracemoore Rd., Saratoga Springs) with registration at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. Cost per golfer is $125 or $500 for a foursome and includes lunch at the turn and a buffet dinner at the Hideaway at the course; dinner only is $60 per person. 

The tournament is looking for tee sponsors, golfers, wine donations (for a wine pull at the dinner), and raffle prizes. There will be a 50/50 and raffle prizes, 1st and 2nd place prizes, hole-in-one-prize, closest to the pin prize, and longest drive prize. 

The YMCA and LIVESTRONG joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: “a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their health goals.” The 12-week training program is with certified personal trainers and provides participants and their workout buddies with a four-month Y membership. 

To register for or support the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble, or for more information about the LIVESTRONG program, contact the SRYMCA Developmental Office at 518-583-9622 ext. 138 or email shannon.vanhall@srymca.org. 

Forward Ryan Smith and Goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos Join ADK Thunder

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos and Ryan Smith to standard player contracts for the 2021-22 season. 

Sakellaropoulos, 27, played 33 games for the Thunder during the 2018-19 season, going 19-6-5 while carrying a .915 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. The netminder also earned three call-ups to the AHL with Binghamton, Utica, and Springfield. During the 2019-20 season, the Tinley Park, IL native made stops in Rapid City, Norfolk, and Orlando, appearing in a total of 38 games. 

After signing to play with Adirondack for the 2020-21 season, Sakellaropoulos played six games for the Wichita Thunder, going 2-3-1 with a 2.60 GAA and a .934 SV%. 

Sakellaropoulos played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady from 2013 until 2017 and was a member of the 2014 National Championship team. Sakellaropoulos backstopped 82 games for the Flying Dutchmen (40-22-13, 2.54 GAA, .914 SV%). 

Smith, 24, was originally signed to play with Adirondack for 2020-21 following his senior season at the University of Maine where he notched 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 135 games over his four-year career. The Roanoke, VA native served as an alternate captain for his final year. 

Following the Thunder opting out last season, Smith joined the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In 42 games, Smith recorded 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) and earned himself a three-game call-up to the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers. 

Prior to college, Smith skated in two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League, putting up 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 117 games at the junior level and appeared in four playoff games. 

Smith spent two seasons in Lake Placid playing for the Northwood School at the United States High School, Preparatory level. He also participated in the 2015 CCM All-American Prospects Game and was a member of the 2016 USA U-18 Ivan Hlinka Select Team. 

Opening night tickets are on sale now. Visit www.seatgeek.com/adirondack-thunder-tickets or visit the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder.