SARATOGA SPRINGS — Samuel C Brown, Jr., passed away at Saratoga Hospital, after a lifetime with two chronic illnesses. Memorial gifts may be made to Mr. Brown’s favorite charity, Covenant House, a refuge for homeless and abused children: P.O. Box 731, New York, NY 10108. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com
How do you raise money for a library in the 1950s? You do anything and everything you can possibly think of! September 23, 1952, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Rotary and the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Women’s Club met at a combined meeting to establish the Library Association which would spearhead fund raisers and begin the process of building a library from the bottom up!
Among other things, the Library Association went door to door soliciting people to come to their homes for breakfast on a particular day—and the invited guests would then be charged for their breakfast!
A benefit musical with folk dancers, auctions, old-timers’ basketball games, bricks for a nickel, and an art show were all also used to raise money to build a library in the community. It worked!
Shortly after, Our Lady of Grace Church on Edward Street in Ballston Lake volunteered to host the first library in Ballston: in the cellar of their church building. At the time, state law mandated that a library had to operate on its own for a year before a charter would be granted by the state and, within the next year, the Townley family donated the land at the present site of the building (although a different building) to create a library in the community.
That first library actually had over 2000 books, either purchased or donated. It was open only 3 days a week but was a very popular place in the community. By 1958, the library had been placed under the auspices of the town of Ballston where it remains today.
That library grew right along with the BHBL community. In reality, you can track many changes that occurred in our state and county by looking at the history of the library itself. The parking lot was paved in 1962, as the automobile became an essential element of suburban communities everywhere. Air conditioning was added in 1963 for the comfort of the patrons of the library. A copier was purchased in 1969, as these machines became essential to our lives. An addition was put on in 1981. Computers were added in 1982. The American Disabilities Act of 1992 caused a great deal of reflection as some major modifications were necessary to meet that code.
But as the community continued to grow, the building became outgrown and, in 1997, town of Ballston residents passed a resolution to build a new building, right next to where the old one was, actually in the parking lot of the old building. That new library was completed in 2001 and is still in use to this day. (The old building was torn down for a parking lot for the new one.) That new library has twice the shelf capacity of the original one and the building itself is twice as large.
The two beautiful stained-glass windows in the building were created by local resident David Pfaffenbach. One depicts the official seal of the town; the other some of the most important features of the town, i.e., the growing of apples, canoes on the lake, the trolley that made Ballston Lake a tourist attraction, and deer who inhabit the area.
But the library has not finished growing. A 2021 grant will allow the library to create within it a “Local History” room, dedicated to the extensive collection of local resources and allowing for a research area in which to use those resources. The library is located at 2 Lawmar Lane in Burnt Hills.
Rick Reynolds has been the Ballston Town Historian since 2004. He is a retired social studies teacher at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Middle school and is the author of the book “From Wilderness to Community: The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District. Rick can be reached at rreynolds@townofballstonny.org
ALBANY — Dunkin’ celebrated National Coffee Day (Sept. 29) by donating 300 pounds of coffee and delivering more than $1,000 in gift cards to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
“We are excited to celebrate National Coffee Day by contributing to the tremendous efforts of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and supporting their dedicated staff and volunteers,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “The Food Bank is a vital community organization and we are proud to assist them by donating gift cards and Dunkin’s signature coffee.”
The coffee donation from Dunkin’ will be used to help the Regional Food Bank continue to support local member agencies and the hungry people they serve. Capital Region Dunkin’ franchisees also delivered $1,250 in gift cards to support the dedicated staff and volunteers who help keep the Food Bank running.
“Dunkin’ is a valued partner in the fight against hunger through donations of product, funds, and volunteer support,” said Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Chief Operating Officer Nick Pisani. “A warm cup of coffee is a morning staple, and we are proud to provide this donation to our member food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.”
The Regional Food Bank works to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste by accepting large donations of food from the food industry and distributing those donations to charitable agencies that feed hungry people like food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month.
To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at www.news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
