Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Citing public safety concerns occurring during the early morning hours, the City Council on Aug. 3 adopted a resolution it hopes will ultimately result in the 2 a.m. “closing time” of bars. State law currently allows establishments to remain open until 4 a.m. 

“Through the analytics and arrests and what we’re hearing through the police department, the hours between 2 and 4 a.m. are unquestioningly posing a public safety threat to the community-at-large due to the volume and intensity of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” said Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, regarding the measure that asks the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to enact a resolution for submittal to the State Liquor Authority. 

The SLA has the power, upon receipt of a resolution by the county board of supervisors, to restrict current hours for sales of the on-premises of consumption alcoholic beverages, according to the resolution. 

“We cannot let this public safety threat go on. I am personally worried about the safety of my police officers every night when they go out, especially between those hours and the safety of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” Commissioner Dalton told the council, as city Mayor Meg Kelly held up what she said was a stack of 52 fake ID cards that were presented to one bar in one night. 

The council approved the resolution, which will now go to the county Board of Supervisors, which next meets on Aug. 17.  Regarding any changes that may be implemented in the future, Dalton said “I think it’s important for us to work with the businesses that might be affected to offset any financial loss, or the perception of financial loss they might have.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— Statements from local political leaders were swift in response to the report of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so.

“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment. No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.” –  Democrat U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, in a joint statement.

“The just-released comprehensive, thorough, and independent report from New York State Attorney General Letitia James into the Governor’s disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, and workplace intimidation while breaking state and federal laws leads to one inescapable conclusion – one that I reached months ago: Cuomo must resign, now! As detailed in the Attorney General’s findings and a five-month-long investigation, Cuomo is a serial sexual harasser that has brought disgrace upon his office and stained our state. For the good of New York, Cuomo must go. He must immediately resign or face bipartisan impeachment during a Special Session of the state Legislature.” – Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon. 

“This is truly a disappointing day for all New Yorkers but an important one to begin to provide some closure for all the women who were victims of this Governor’s actions. The New York State Attorney General’s disturbing report confirms what I’ve been saying for months, that Andrew Cuomo must be impeached and removed from office immediately.  Enough is enough!” – Sen. James Tedisco, R-Glenville. 

“No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately…President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation. In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.” – U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, 21st Congressional District. 

“I called for a full and independent investigation earlier this year into credible allegations that Gov.  Cuomo sexually harassed several women including members of his own staff. In March, as those allegations grew even more troubling, I called on him to do the right thing for the people of New York and resign. The New York Attorney General’s report today confirms my worst fears. The governor‘s victims deserve justice, the people of our state deserve better and the governor needs to resign.”  – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, 20th Congressional District. 

“I called for the Governor’s resignation when these credible allegations came to light earlier this year. Now that we see this thorough and well documented investigation released by the Attorney General, there is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo cannot continue in a leadership role in this state. In light of the pervasive appalling behavior documented in this report, he should immediately resign. Failing this, the Assembly should impeach Andrew Cuomo. As a voter in New York, I am angry. As a human being, I am disgusted.”
– Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake. 

The 168-page report may be read at: www.ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021.08.03_nyag_-_investigative_report.pdf  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Racing City Chorus, with their A Cappella “Barbershop-style” singing, performs consecutive Thursday evenings on Broadway through Aug. 26. 

“The Chorus will be entertaining crowds from all walks of life who love to hear barbershop a cappella harmony being sung on Broadway,” says Racing City Chorus President Rusty Senecal. “One of the most rewarding things we do is sing to audiences and experience the positive responses it creates in youngsters and adults.” 

The Racing City Chorus is a men’s singing organization that meets regularly to practice, perform, socialize, and have fun. They currently have over 25 singers from all walks of life and all parts of the Saratoga Springs/Capital Region. The main purpose of the Racing City Chorus is to get out and sing for the community.  For more information, visit www.racingcitychorus.org or call 518-504-7464.

Performances are Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. as follows:  7 p.m. The Scott Varley Team at Keller Williams; 7:45 p.m. Union Hall Supply Co.; 8:30 p.m. Stewart’s Shops (Aug. 19: Woodlawn Ave.); 8:30 p.m. Adirondack Trust Company (Aug. 12, Aug. 26). 

WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is continuing to host Nature Craft Hours under the pavilion at Camp Saratoga every Tuesday throughout August and September. This program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. and is geared for children of all ages.

Each Tuesday will feature a different and creative nature-themed arts project. Activities are TBA but have included sun prints, natural tie dye, seed medallions and more. Please note, there is a craft supply fee of $3 per participant.  Participants should park in Parking Lot #1 located on Scout Road directly across the street from the pavilion. Registration is required. Space is limited.

For more information about the program or to register, contact the Preserve & Park Office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Please provide your name, phone number, email address and the number of people attending within your party. 

Also: Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s popular Pond Exploration Programs will be running every Friday throughout August and September. Revolving around discovering aquatic wildlife at Delegan Pond, this scheduled reoccurring program is taking place every Friday from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Participants can use the dip nets that are provided to search for pond life, including frogs, salamanders, tadpoles, crayfish, and aquatic insects. 

Registration is required. Space is limited. This is a free program. For more information or to register for the program, please contact the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.  Please provide your name, phone number, email address and the number of people within your party.