ITHACA — Cornell University’s Milk Quality Improvement Program has awarded Stewart’s Dairy in Saratoga Springs top honors in New York state’s annual fluid milk competition, conducted on behalf of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The Cornell program serves as the state’s official judging group. Stewart’s, which also won for best-tasting chocolate milk, topped a field of 21 dairies from across the state; results were announced Aug. 25.

“Congratulations to our dairy processors and our dairy farmers behind these fantastic products,” said Richard Ball, commissioner for the Department of Agriculture and Markets. “We know New York produces some of the best milk there is, and I am honored to join Cornell in sharing these stories of success with all New Yorkers.”

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards were presented online rather than on the traditional Dairy Day at the New York State Fair. 

“This annual milk competition is unique in that it considers the overall quality of fluid milk products throughout the entire time the product is on the market by assessing various characteristics, including – most importantly – milk flavor,” said Kathryn Boor, the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Stewart’s won the competition five times previously, most recently in 2017, and has finished second twice. Garelick Farms of Rensselaer was the runner-up in the overall fluid milk category. The dairy won last year and in 2015.

Ithaca Milk of Interlaken won the top small-processor award for 2020; it won the same award in 2018.

Stoltzfus Family Dairy of Vernon Center won the flavored-milk category for its pasteurized, non-homogenized mocha and latte “cream line” milk.

Established in the early 1970s, Cornell’s Milk Quality Improvement Program (MQIP) is directed by Boor. It is funded by New York State dairy producers through the New York State Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board, a group selected by the commissioner to promote New York milk and dairy product consumption.

In the last 12 months, the Voluntary Shelf-Life Program, part of the MQIP, received 362 pasteurized fluid-milk samples, performed more than 4,800 microbiological tests and 675 sensory evaluations on those samples, according to Nicole Martin, the MQIP’s associate director.

Samples are subjected to microbial analyses, freezing point tests, fat determination and sensory evaluation, according to Rob Ralyea, a senior extension associate in food science.

New York has nearly 4,000 dairy farms that produce nearly 15 billion pounds of milk annually, making it the nation’s fourth-largest dairy state, according to the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The dairy industry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, contributing nearly half of its total agricultural receipts.

New York is the only state to hold a regular milk-quality review for its dairy producers; it has done so since 1979.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Strike Zone bowling alley officially opened their doors this past week, placing precautions in place to bring safety and fun back to the community. 

Nick Stanislowsky, general manger at Strike Zone, said they are excited to be able to open their doors and ensures any guests will feel safe.

“When I heard the news [of reopening] I was ecstatic, it was like Christmas morning,” Stanislowsky said. 

He explained some safety and cleaning precautions the alley has put in place. Guests will notice some laminates on the floor that encourages people to keep their distance as soon as they enter the front door. 

“We are using every other lane so you won’t be right next to somebody, there will always be a lane in between,” Stanislowsky said. “Then after everybody is done using the lane we go through a clean off the bowling balls, including the holes, and disinfect the tables and keypads. Everything that gets touched will get disinfected.”

The alley is still welcoming larger size parties for events. Conveniently located just off Broadway, Strike Zone is the perfect entertainment fun spot for all kinds of indoor activities. Their bowling alley features 34 lanes, all with automatic bumpers if needed along with a state-of-the-art light and sound show. The alley also offers bowling leagues and tournaments for people who want to test their skills.

“We are just extremely excited to get back open and hopefully bring some fun and normalcy back,” Stanislowsky said.

The bowling alley is located on 32 Ballston Ave and can be reached at 518-584-6460.

By the time you read this, it is likely that the numbers will have changed. But it’s also very likely if the trends hold that these changes will be minimal.

You see the reality is that relatively speaking COVID-19 has spread and impacted people living in Saratoga County far less than many other places around the world, the US, New York State and the region as well.

We all mourn the 17 Saratoga County residents who have lost their lives to COVID-19.

We also understand that some of the 769 people who had COVID-19 and recovered may have to deal with lingering health issues for some time or maybe the rest of their lives.

This virus is dangerous. It is impacting local families and our neighbors. Thus, we need to continue to do everything we can to stop the spread for as long as it takes the medical community to develop a vaccine.

This starts with wearing a mask. It means avoiding large crowds and continuing to social distance from other people. It means following travel restrictions, washing our hands, etc.

As of today, Monday, August 17, 2020, we’ve had 828 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County. This means that just .0036 percent of the county’s 230,000 residents have tested positive. The 828 confirmed cases is just .014 percent of the 56,348 tests performed in Saratoga County.

The City of Saratoga Springs has had just 113 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That means just .004 percent of the City’s 28,000 residents has had the virus.

Best of all, 108 have already recovered and as of today there are just 4 active cases. 

Let’s remember that we’re in the third week of August now. Since early July, our hotels have seen an uptick in visitors, particularly during weekends. The Saratoga Race Course has been in operation for 24 days.

While we’ve seen a slight increase in positive tests, we have NOT seen a spike. The spread of this virus has been minimized by all of us doing our part and by local businesses reopening while putting the health of their employees and customers first. 

The minimal spread of this virus locally has also been managed thanks to the aggressive contact tracing performed from day one of the PAUSE by Saratoga County’s Health Department.

Just two of the Towns in Saratoga County have NOT had a single positive case – – Edinburg and Day. Several Villages have achieved zero cases as well, including: Galway, Victory and Stillwater.

But as we were advised recently in a Zoom session with Saratoga Hospital’s COVID-19 medical experts, we’re still practically looking to minimize the risk of spread versus eliminating the risk entirely.

We need to expect that there will be more positive cases. We will need to quarantine more people as more positive tests come up. We will need to continue to be diligent wearing masks and remaining socially distant.

We’re leading the way in Saratoga County as of today. 

As hard as this has been on our families and our economy, this is allowing us to reopen bowling alleys this week and fitness facilities next week. It’s positioning us to be able to safely reopen our schools next month. 

Hopefully soon if we can control the spread, we will also see our performing arts sector, the City Center, the Saratoga Casino, and local movie theaters reopen too.

Leading the way is not easy. It takes resolve. It takes focus.  It takes all of us doing our part. We’ve done that here in Saratoga County.

Let’s keep up the great work and continue to put health first so that we can recover sooner than most.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty is proud to announce that Angela Dross and Erin Steinbach have joined their growing brokerage. 

Originally from the Potsdam, NY area, Angela Dross, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, grew up in a family business focused on real estate investing. In 2010, she developed her own marketing business based out of Saratoga Springs. Angela decided to merge her two passions to become a real estate agent, one that emphasizes strategic property marketing and expert guidance in the home buying process. Angela specializes in residential resales, new construction, investment properties, and agency for buyers and sellers. 

Erin Steinbach, Associate Real Estate Broker, hails from a long line of Realtors and has extensive experience both personally and professionally in the second home market and is eager to share the wealth of knowledge with her clients. In today’s complex real estate world, she realizes consistent communication and attention to detail can often be the key to a successful transaction. 

It is the mission of Julie & Co. Realty, LLC to provide our clients with an exemplary experience, by the utmost attention to detail. Our agents will provide accurate, up-to-date market conditions, skilled analysis, and sound real estate advice. We will continue to provide our agents with innovative new ideas and tools that will benefit both the agent’s and client’s expectations. 

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce today launched a new charitable campaign designed to raise funds for Saratoga Springs-area non-profit organizations that have been impacted by the coronavirus global health pandemic.

Administered by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and held in partnership with the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund, NYRA Cares offers fans the opportunity to win a variety of Saratoga Race Course hospitality experiences, memorabilia and collectible items while supporting local non-profit organizations. All items have been donated by NYRA.

Fans can purchase entry tickets at NYRACares.org. Each ticket is $10 and provides one entry for the corresponding item. There is no limit on the number of tickets a fan can purchase per item. Tickets may be purchased until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. Winners of all items will be selected by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Sept. 4.

“Saratoga is a special place because of the connection between Saratoga Race Course, the downtown businesses and the community,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke. “We thank our friends at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund for their partnership. We hope this campaign will generate much needed funds for local non-profits while offering racing fans the chance to win some terrific experiences, hospitality and merchandise.”

Featured items include one-of-a-kind experiences such as watching a live race call from the Saratoga announcer’s booth; passes to the historic Saratoga paddock; and a named race with the opportunity to watch from the winner’s circle and present the trophy to the winning connections.

A variety of hospitality options are also available for the 2021 Saratoga meet, including a table for four in the Turf Terrace and reserved picnic table for six on Travers Day; a table for four in the 1863 Club on Whitney Day; a Clubhouse box on Opening Day; four premium reserved seats in The Stretch on Opening Day; and a pair of grandstand reserved season tickets, among the many highlights.

Collectible items include an autographed Post Parade program book from jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. on July 23, 2020, when he notched five wins on the afternoon; as well as an autographed Post Parade from New York Yankees Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera on July 12, 2019, when he visited Saratoga Race Course one week prior to his induction to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

The selection also features collector’s images of some of the most well-known thoroughbreds to run at the Spa, including 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah; 2016 Travers winner Arrogate; and 2004 Travers winner Birdstone. Images are courtesy of official track photographer Coglianese Photography.

All proceeds benefit the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund, which will distribute grants from the funds that are generated to local non-profit organizations. Established in 2009, the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund serves as a source of philanthropic support for local charities.

“The Saratoga County Chamber is pleased to partner with NYRA and the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund to launch the NYRA Cares program,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus. “Local charitable organizations in the Saratoga area are seeing demand for their programs and services expand considerably as our unemployment rate has skyrocketed as a result of COVID-19. This program is yet another example of how NYRA collaborates with local organizations to make a positive difference for our local community and its residents.”

The 2020 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Racing at Saratoga is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. Closing week will run Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

Under New York state guidelines, Saratoga Race Course is currently operating without spectators in attendance.

Saratoga Live will present daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports and MSG Networks. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit nyra.com/tv-schedule.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

The upcoming election is the most important election of our lifetime, but then that’s been said of every election in my lifetime. With such an important election at hand, why doesn’t the market seem to care?

The simple truth is that the Covid situation has completely overshadowed the election, and is likely to continue to throughout the remainder of the election cycle. The sad truth is that we all know the pandemic is being politicized. What is scary is that we really don’t know which parts. 

For the remainder of the cycle, expect the pandemic, and more importantly how governments continue to react to it, to be the primary force driving the markets. Currently we’re seeing markets approaching or exceeding all-time highs, as economic data continues to show an economy healing from the self-inflicted turmoil caused by rolling economic shutdowns. 

Barring another large-scale shutdown, we expect the economy to continue to improve. In fact, we expect GDP in the third quarter to be about +15%, a sharp rebound from the -34% experienced in Q2. Q3 GDP will be announced on October 29th, and a turnaround of that magnitude could sway some voters.

And this is where we have some concern. Normally, we would not expect another shutdown, but with schools about to reopen in various forms, and the rampant politization of the pandemic by both sides, we see the potential for a hyperbolic reaction to the almost inevitable case in which a student becomes sick. 

Make no mistake: in no way are we downplaying the tragedy of a child’s illness. What we are saying is the potential exists for that tragedy to be hijacked in such a way that results in a call to action by media and political groups to further restrict economic activity in ways grossly disproportionate to the actual risk. 

As for the election itself, there are only two scenarios which we think would rattle the markets initially, and those would be that either party sweeps.

We don’t have any proclivity toward one party or the other and, frankly, the market’s don’t much care either. What markets care about is uncertainty, and one-party rule means change. 

A Republican sweep seems highly unlikely, but a Democratic sweep would mean increased regulations and increased taxes which means individuals and businesses would have to revamp the plans they have in place. 

Gridlock is good and, from an economic perspective, the best possible outcome would likely be a divided Congress, regardless of who wins the White House. With Republicans defending 23 Senate seats, compared to the Democrats’ 12 seats, however, it seems less likely the Senate will remain in Republican hands. 

The election is still three months away, and with so much happening on the Covid front, we’d caution against letting the election projections determine your shorter-term investment strategies. Polls are notoriously wrong this far out. 

As always, this article contains forward-looking statements, which can change at any moment. Be sure to work closely with your Certified Financial Planner® professional to help ensure that your financial plan  and investment strategy remain reflective of your goals, and the current economic landscape.

Stephen Kyne, CFP® is a Partner at Sterling Manor Financial, LLC in Saratoga Springs and Rhinebeck. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc., SEC registered investment advisors.Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities. This article contains opinion and forward-looking statements which are subject to change. Consult your investment advisor regarding your own investment needs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cornell Cooperative Extension Equine (CCE Equine) and The New York State Horse Council (NYSHC) partnered in mid-March 2020 to create a Covid-19 impact assessment survey for equine-related business owners and managers in New York State. This survey was released in April 2020 with the objective to better understand the perceived economic impact COVID-19 had on New York State Equine- related businesses. 

The target population was businesses, owners or managers of equine-related business in New York State. This included feed suppliers, veterinarians, horse lesson or training facilities, breeding facilities, transportation services and more. The survey had over 500 respondents that indicated owning a business that serves NYS. The majority of respondents indicated their business and being either a lesson or training facility or a boarding facility. 

Business owners and managers were asked to report their annual gross revenue for a typical year; the 70-percent of respondents indicated their annual gross income as being less than $100,000. Respondents also indicated if their business was considered essential under the Pause Plan. Sixty-three respondents (13-percent) reported that their entire business was considered essential while 202 respondents (43-percent) reported parts of their business as being considered essential. 

The questions “How Severe do you expect the effects of COVID-19 to be on your Business?” One hundred fifty respondents (33-percent) reported the effects of COVID-19 to be Extremely Severe, one hundred thirty-eight (29-percent) indicated Very Severe. Sixty-six respondents (10-percent) indicated the effects of COVID-19 to be either slightly severe or not severe at all. There were 231 respondents (49-percent) that indicated they would be somewhat likely or extremely likely to make temporary or permanent reduction to staff due to COVID-19. 

The purpose of this survey was to provide an opportunity for Equine-related businesses owners and managers to report the perceived impact COVID-19 had on their business. It is clear that there is perceived financial distress. Over 30-percent of respondents indicated concern of losing their business while over another 30-percent of respondents indicated they were unsure if they would lose their business due to the COVID-19 crisis. 

Despite the reported struggle equine-related businesses are encountering, 73-percent indicated not receiving any financial benefit for programs, loans, or tax credits to offset losses. Respondents reported “applied for funding but haven’t heard back” and “applied for ppp but haven’t received any monies as of yet;” thirty-seven percent of respondents reported needing financial assistance to keep daily activities of their business going. This survey provides insight to the equine industry and the economic distress that is occurring. 

One respondent wrote that the crisis was “crippling any source of income, but we continue to have all of our normal expenses as horses continue to be fed and cared for which is a high expense…” 

Businesses are clearly indicating financial concern and more information is required to better understand the severity of the crisis on the equine industry. Any questions can be sent to Brieanna Hughes, CCE Equine Resource Educator at Bh548@cornell.edu or Sarah Collier, NYSHC Recording Secretary, at sara.collier@nyshc.org. 

If you are an Equine-Related business owner or manager looking for related resources, please visit the links below for more information or contact Brieanna Hughes at bh548@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cceequine at www.cceequine.com. 

For over twenty years, I have worked with clients and their families to help their loved ones obtain Medicaid coverage for nursing home care.  In the course of my practice, there have consistently been a number of myths and mistakes in Medicaid Planning.  By “myths and mistakes,” I mean misunderstanding about the Medicaid rules and mistakes people make based on them.

The following questions and answers are designed to address some of the more common misunderstandings and give the reader more accurate information on Medicaid Planning.

Isn’t it true that my IRA will be considered a countable asset?

No.  Retirement accounts, like IRAs, are generally not considered assets by the Department of Social Services (DSS), as soon as the accounts are in payout status.  Instead, they are considered as a source of income.  For example, if you have a $100,000 IRA, DSS will make a calculation based on your age that will convert that asset into a source of income considered when you apply for Medicaid.  Since you can only have $15,750 in assets and qualify for Medicaid, this will allow you to potentially qualify – despite the fact that you have a $100,000 IRA.

What happens to my retirement income when I apply for Medicaid?

That depends on whether you are married or single.  If you are married, some of it may be made available to your spouse to pay their expenses if they are below the allowable income level for a community spouse.  That level is currently $3,216 per month.  If you are single, most or all of your income will likely be used to help pay for the cost of your nursing home care.

Is the Medicaid look back period seven years?

No.  The Medicaid look back period is five years.  At the time of your Medicaid application, DSS will require you to provide the last five years of your financial records for their review in determining your eligibility.

Isn’t it true there is no look back period for Community Medicaid?

Yes – but that will end soon.  Community Medicaid is available to pay for aides in your home, if you qualify.  Currently, there is no look back period for Community Medicaid, but that will end on January 1st of next year.  As of that date, a 2 ½ year lookback period will be phased in for all transfers after October 1st of this year.

Isn’t it true that I can put my assets in a Trust and DSS can’t touch them?

As a general rule, that is not correct.  However, if you create an Irrevocable Trust and the assets are transferred to that Trust more than five years before you apply for Medicaid, then yes – those assets will be protected for Medicaid Planning purposes.

Isn’t true that I can take money out of my Irrevocable Trust to help pay my expenses?

No.  In a properly drafted Irrevocable Trust used for Medicaid Planning, the assets you put in the Trust cannot come back out to you.  If the Trust provisions allow that to happen (or you take the assets out regardless of the Trust provisions), then the assets will be considered yours and counted against you when determining your Medicaid eligibility.

Isn’t it true that I can get a home equity loan after I put my house in a Trust?

If you put your house in an Irrevocable Trust for Medicaid Planning purposes, you generally cannot thereafter get a home equity loan with your residence pledged as collateral.  From the bank’s perspective, you no longer own the home (the Trust does instead), so you cannot pledge it as collateral.  In addition, if you have a home equity loan before you put your house in an Irrevocable Trust, the bank may not continue to permit you to take draws on that loan.

Isn’t it true that I can give away $15,000 a year without a Medicaid penalty?

No.  The $15,000 limit is known as the federal annual exclusion amount for gift tax purposes.  This is the amount of money you can give to someone without the need of filing a gift tax return.  This is a useful number to keep in mind if you have a large estate (i.e. in excess of $5 million) and you want to make lifetime gifts and reduce your potential estate tax burden upon your death.  Otherwise, the amount is likely not very important to your planning.

Is there an amount of money I can give away without fear of a Medicaid penalty?

Yes.  You can generally give up to $2,000 per person per year without fear of Medicaid penalty.  This is not a level established by statute or regulation, but rather a rule of thumb used by the local Medicaid authorities.  For more information on allowable gifting and how penalty periods work, please take a look at my March 9, 2020 article in Saratoga Today entitled “Medicaid Lookback Periods and Penalty Periods.”

People receive their information on Medicaid Planning from a variety of sources, including friends, family, websites, and elsewhere.  Amongst the information available, is unfortunately an abundance of misinformation that can lead to mistakes.  When it comes to Medicaid Planning, you should seek out the services of an experienced elder law attorney to make sure your planning is based on the most current, and correct, information.

Matthew J. Dorsey, Esq. is a Partner with O’Connell and Aronowitz, 1 Court Street, Saratoga Springs, NY.  Over his twenty-three years of practice, he has focused in the areas of elder law, estate planning, and estate administration.  Mr. Dorsey can be reached at 518-584-5205, mdorsey@oalaw.com, and www.oalaw.com.

CORINTH – With employee health being one of the most important topics in the workplace due to the emergence of COVID-19, Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is proud to announce that it has been named a 2020 Healthiest Employer by the Albany Business Review for the second straight year. 

The awards program honors 30 companies in the Capital Region whose wellness programming and benefits go above and beyond. HRCCU works hard to cultivate a work environment and culture that is both fun and results oriented. They have built an enjoyable workplace for staff at their Operations Center complete with a full kitchen/break area, fitness facility and outdoor patio area. The credit union also brings in nutritionists and massage therapists periodically to help answer questions and keep their employees healthy.

“At HRCCU, we are really proud of the fact that we are able to offer our employees a workplace that integrates health into their work life,” said Sue Commanda, CEO. “Our company mission is to improve the financial well-being of our members, but we are also committed to improving the health and well-being of our employees. This is especially important with the rise of COVID-19 in our communities. We know that now more than ever we need to provide a workplace that is supportive of our employees’ physical, emotional and social well-being.”

Winners are determined by the Healthiest Employers LLC, a data and research company, which measures wellness and benefits factors using the Springbuk analytics platform. The assessment scored companies on their wellness program’s culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.

Companies with an office of at least five employees were eligible in the following Capital Region counties: Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington.

The winners were celebrated on July 30 at a virtual event.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Five members of the 2017 Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission met recently to plan for a public information initiative for the Charter Referendum, which will be on the November 3 ballot. 

Voters will decide whether to change city government from a commission form to a structure with a six member ward-based city council, a city manager and a strengthened mayor. The “Charter Women” believe that city government will be more inclusive and responsive under the proposed system.

The proposed City of Saratoga Springs Charter amendment replaces the existing commissioner form of government with a more common form of city government. The abstract on the Nov. 3 ballot reads: “shall the Saratoga Springs City Charter be amended to provide for a City Council elected from six neighborhood wards of equal population, presided by a Mayor elected citywide, and for the appointment of a professional City Manager and other administrative officials accountable to the Council?” 

The common form is comprised of two main elements including City Council elected from six neighborhood Wards, presided by a Mayor elected citywide and a professional City Manager hired by and accountable to the Council.  Term limits are provided, with a maximum of six full two-year terms for Council members, and three full four-year terms for Mayor.

Balllston Spa Announces Free and Reduced Meal Policy

Ballston Spa Central School District announced this week a free and reduced price meal (Free Milk) policy for area school children. Local school officials have adopted the following family eligibility criteria to assist them in determining eligibility. More information can be found on the district website at www.bscsd.org/Page/229.