SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters US Education Fund announced that VOTE411.org, its one-stop-shop for election information, has been named Best Government & Civil Innovation Website in the 24th Annual Webby People’s Voice Awards (May 2020).

Since 2006, VOTE411 has provided registration deadlines and tools, absentee and early voting information, polling place locations, voting hours, candidate information, and more. Late last year, the League of Women Voters launched the newly redesigned VOTE411.org, with the mission to serve every voter in America with critical election information in 2020.

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County regularly helps local candidates post information on the VOTE411 website, so that area residents can compare candidates based on their qualifications and their position on issues the School Board Election Guide will be available on May 26 and voters can enter their address to find out who is running for School Board in Saratoga County in the June 9 elections. Information for the June Democratic Primary is available now.

Hailed as the Internet’s “highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on elections, but it’s never been more important for voters to make sure their voices are heard at the ballot box” said Jeanette Senecal, Senior Director of Mission Impact for the League of Woimn Voters Education Fund. “In this critical election year, VOTE411 is expected to reach one in five people in the United States before November 3. This award is a testament to the time and dedication our league volunteers around the country put into making sure voters have accurate election information.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Quad/Graphics was awarded a $1.05 million tax incentive package Tuesday as the magazine and catalog printing giant prepares to invest $45 million installing new presses at its Saratoga Springs plant.

The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency approved an incentive package last week that will save Quad $211,000 in sales tax on equipment. The IDA also approved a 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement that freezes Quad’s property assessment, saving the company $105,000 a year in property tax.

Munter Enterprises general contracting firm of Middle Grove has been hired to renovate a 60,000-square-foot section of Quad’s 1,011,000-square-foot plant at the W.J. Grande Industrial Park. Construction costs are expected to total $6 million. Renovations will make room for the installation of two Manroland 8-unit auto transfer presses, driving the price tag of the project to $45 million.

The project is expected to reduce scrap and utility costs at the 36-year-old plant, while giving Quad the ability to take on more magazine, catalog and retail advertising insert jobs ranging from a few thousand pages to millions.

The machines will be the first color presses of their kind at Quad to include an auto transfer feature, allowing them to switch to a new job in 30 seconds, a process than can take between 20 and 40 minutes on other presses.

Quad employs 668 people in Saratoga and the new presses are expected to create 74 additional jobs within the next two years with an average salary of $52,500, plus $13,500 in benefits. The project also is expected to receive $6 million in tax credits from the state and $2.25 million in assistance through utility company National Grid.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) created an online survey to document life during COVID-19. 

“Leaving Our Fingerprints” is an online survey SALS is asking people of all ages in the community to fill out online. The information is collected anonymously and will be used to document COVID-19 in the Southern Adirondacks. 

The survey consists of 20 questions, and each question does not have to be answered. There is no limit to how many times the survey is done, and a second survey can be submitted if more information was discovered at a later time. 

Erica Freudenberger, outreach and engagement consultant for SALS, created the idea for the documentation. She was scrolling through Twitter when she noticed a post that recommended keeping a journal through the COVID pandemic. 

“Scientists, epidemiologists and historians had learned so much about the Spanish Flu from journals they found,” Freudenberger said. “When we began to work from home in mid-March, I spent a lot of time thinking about how we could create and maintain community in a time of pandemic. As a librarian, my first thought was: sharing stories.”

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Freudenberger shared her idea with Sara Dallas, executive director of SALS, who was enthusiastic and told her to go for it. SALS is comprised of 34 member libraries in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties, and each library is autonomous, with its own board and director. They create the Director’s Council who very supportive of Freudenberger’s idea.

In addition, the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Crandall Public Library and Schuylerville Public Library put her in touch with library staff to help with any efforts. She then formed a committee at the end of April with Lorie Wies, local history librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Michelle Isopo, adult services librarian at the Schuylerville Public Library, and Jack Scott, tech and youth services consultant SALS.

According to the “Leaving Our Fingerprints” website, by collecting stories the community can become witnesses to history, helping to provide insight into daily life during the global pandemic.

“We want everyone to participate. There are 20 questions, but you don’t have to answer them all. We’re also collecting images, gifs, and digital documents, if people want to share artwork, poetry, photos, or TikToks – we’re open to however people want to share their pandemic story,” Freudenberger said.

The survey can be reached online at www.sals.edu, or contact efreudenberger@sals.edu with questions. Currently there is no end date to the project, as Freudenberger said they’re leaving it up for the length of the pandemic. 

 ELMONT — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a new charitable initiative designed to raise funds for the NYRA backstretch community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fans can support the effort by purchasing new t-shirts emblazoned with the inspirational messages “Belmont Tough” and “Saratoga Tough.” The t-shirts emphasize the strength and commitment of the men and women who have been working throughout the pandemic to provide essential care for the 1,500 horses stabled on the property.

The Belmont Tough t-shirt is available in steel grey and the Saratoga Tough t-shirt is offered in heather red. The limited-edition t-shirts are now available for sale by visiting online.

NYRA will donate all net proceeds from t-shirt sales in equal allotments to three non-profit organizations which serve the Belmont Park backstretch community: the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA); the Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York (B.E.S.T.); and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America (NYRTCA).

“The backstretch workers are the unsung heroes of our sport,” said NYRA Chief Operating Officer Gordon Lavalette. “As we move toward the resumption of live racing, we encourage fans to support the men and women whose hard work and dedication have made that possible.”

The BCCA operates Anna House, a childcare and early-childhood education facility at Belmont Park for backstretch families, providing vital support to those who work in thoroughbred racing. Libby Imperio, a longtime owner on the NYRA circuit, is the president of the BCCA board and oversees the organization’s fundraising and outreach efforts.

Anna House was closed on March 17 consistent with Nassau County’s decision to close public schools to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the BCCA continues to work remotely to support the children of backstretch workers.

B.E.S.T. operates the B.E.S.T. Health Center located on the Belmont Park backstretch and maintains a staff of 15 full-time workers and numerous volunteers who are tasked with providing backstretch workers free health care, life insurance, drug and mental health counseling, food and clothing.

Led by Executive Director Paul Ruchames, B.E.S.T. operates on an annual budget in excess of $2.2 million which is funded mainly by NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), along with public donations and grants from private foundations.

The NYRTCA, led by Chaplain Humberto Chavez, ministers to the backstretch community with children’s enrichment, social services, recreational programs, educational opportunities and non-denominational religious services.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. (SHRI) and American Gaming Group, LLC (AGG) announced May 20 that they have mutually agreed to terminate an acquisition agreement under which the parties had agreed that SHRI would acquire the operating assets of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek, CO from AGG.

Both parties cite that the termination, although disappointing, was necessary based on the current economic impacts resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The pandemic has resulted in a need for each company to focus on its respective businesses, and has impacted the companies’ ability to realize the benefits of the transaction during these unprecedented times.

SHRI owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel, in Saratoga Springs, featuring over 1,200 slots, electronic table games, a live entertainment venue, a variety of dining options and bars, live harness racing, and simulcast wagering. SHRI also owns and operates Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, located in the historic town of Black Hawk, CO featuring over 425 slot machines, 10 table games, a full-service restaurant, bar and a variety of guest services. SHRI is also a partner with Delaware North Companies in the operation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Springs.  Additional information about Saratoga Casino Hotel can be found at saratogacasino.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the community faces the first phase of the regional re-opening, Cheveux Design Hair Salon in Saratoga is hoping to open within the next three weeks.

Hair stylists and barbershops in New York will be allowed to re-open during phase two of regional reopenings as announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo this past week. Although specific guidelines were not shared in regards to re-opening, Cheveux Design Hair Salon owner Kelly Slywka already implemented safety precautions and practices.

“The salon had already implemented what other salons are doing now. I told the staff to use minimal products so they could pick them up and clean off after every visit. We also no longer offer magazines, coffee or water,” Slywka said. “We already restricted access to the building before we closed down. You get a text to enter, or waved in if you’re older and your phone doesn’t do texts.”

Slywka continued to say she plans to open the exact same way she closed, with minimal contact and safety precautions in place. She has installed plexiglass walls between each station. 

The salon has been closed since late-March and Slywka has 95 appointments already lined up due to the closure. To help save time with appointments, Slywka has cut down on some of the salon’s services.

“It’s going to be about getting your cut and getting your color. It’s just about getting everyone in and getting everyone back on their book safely,” Slywka said. “My staff will only see one customer and clients cut down at least 30 minutes of an appointment if they don’t get a blow dry. Now they wont be in the salon for a longer period. Let’s just get everyone on the book and everyone caught up to where they need to be.”

Despite feeling ready to open, Slywka said hairdressers are feeling frustrated. Hair salons are mandated by the state and undergo a yearly test to ensure everything is in proper shape. 

“It’s a surprise visit that can possibly have hefty fines. Salons have already done cleaning and safety practices… these are all things that have always been this way,” Slywka said. 

Despite the frustration, Slywka said clients shouldn’t be afraid when they venture back out into the community. She said those with underlying conditions or autoimmune should stay safe for a while longer, but urges others to get back out in the community. 

“If you are a healthy person you have got to get out there. We are avoiding the inevitable, you can’t beat nature,” Slywka said. “The only person who can advocate for you is you.”

Saratoga Springs started phase one reopening this week, joining other regions as they reopen. Regions are expected to pause for two weeks before moving on to phase two reopening. Slywka said, “I’m excited and ready to go.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wednesday’s dawn brought to Saratoga a morning unlike any of the 58 days that had come before it. 

After hitting on all of the region’s required benchmarks that both document the downward trajectory of infections past, and prepare for potential viral spikes of the future, Saratoga and the seven other counties that surround it were cleared by the state to begin phase 1 of re-opening the local economy on May 20. 

“I feel like we’ve been in a bubble,” said Emma Lance, poking her masked face through the door of the Saratoga Tea & Honey Shop on Broadway, where the day’s online orders and curbside pickups were being prepared.  “You can’t see my mouth behind this mask,” she added, “but I’m smiling.” 

Commercial photographer Tom Stock escaped his daily honey-do list posted inside his home by planting a metal folding chair in front of Uncommon Grounds coffee shop on Broadway, where he took in all the wonders the blue-sky Wednesday offered, while thinking about future reopening phases that will allow more shops to open and people to more readily mingle. 

Wednesday’s Phase One reopening allowed for the first wave of industries to re-start – construction, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, manufacturing and wholesale trade, among them. Retail is limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off.  For all businesses reopening, physical distancing measures, face covering protections and maximum indoor capacity adjustments must be implemented and maintained.

Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, city police Chief Shane Crooks and Fire Department Chief Aaron Dyer – all members of Saratoga Springs’ COVID-19 Reopen Task Force – visited businesses door-to-door Wednesday morning, talking to store owners and employees, and handing out safety plans outlining how businesses’ workplaces can prevent the spread of COVID-19. New York State requires each re-opening business to develop a written safety plan. Businesses may develop their own safety plan or use a template provided by the state. (Details about obtaining those forms are below). 

An Executive Order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo put New York State on PAUSE on March 22, setting social distancing measures in place, closing non-essential businesses, and limited public gatherings in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. 

Statewide to-date, just over 350,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus. Overall, more than 28,000 have died due to COVID-19 in New York, more than 92,000 in the U.S., and more than 325,000 across the globe, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. 

Current daily figures point to an average of just over 100 deaths per day in New York due to the virus, matching just about where those figures were on March 26. In April, the death tally spiked to greater than 700 per day for several days.   

“We’re basically back to where we started before this tragedy descended upon us,” Gov. Cuomo said, this week. 

“What will happen with reopening?” Cuomo remarked May 20, on the day the Capital Region reopened for phase one. “Whatever we make happen. There is no predestined course. What will happen is a consequence of our choices and a consequence of our actions,” he said. “If people are smart and responsible and if employers and employees are responsible, then you will see the infection rate stay low. If people get arrogant, if people get cocky, if people get casual or people become undisciplined – you will see that infection rate go up. It is that simple. It has always been about what we do.”   

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The governor also announced on Wednesday that religious gatherings of no more than 10 people will be allowed as long as statewide social distancing measures are enforced and participants wear masks. Earlier in the week, Cuomo announced racecourses – such as Saratoga Race Course and the Saratoga Casino’s harness track – may open June 1 without fans. NYRA subsequently announced the Belmont meet will get underway June 3 and will concludes July 12. The Saratoga meet is slated to open four days later.   

“Do your part: wear a mask. It is amazing how effective that mask actually is,” Cuomo said Wednesday, pointing to statistics that show frontline workers – downstate hospital employees, transit workers, NYPD and FDNY/EMT workers – each having lower infection rates than the general population. “How can they all have a lower infection rate? They’re wearing the mask,” Cuomo said. “The mask works. It’s in the data.”    

Meeting the metrics and maintaining control over the virus spread is key to remaining “open,” as well as in moving forward through the series of successive phases that will see the reopening of an ever-increasing number of additional businesses. That holds true for the entire “Capital Region” designation. The Capital Region sector is comprised of eight counties: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington. 

There are four reopening phases in all, and 14 days – or less, should metrics not increase, as deemed by regional leaders –  are in between the phases. Those phases and dates are:

Potentially June 3 or sooner – Phase Two: Professional Services (which includes hairdressers and salons), Retail, Administrative Support, Real Estate / Rental and Leasing.

Potentially June 17 or sooner – Phase Three: Restaurants / Food Services.

Potentially July 1 or sooner – Phase Four: Arts / Entertainment / Recreation, Education. 

For businesses: Business plans do not need to be submitted to a state or local agency for approval, but must be retained on the premises of the business and must be made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection. 

An entire range of resources for businesses and residents are available via the city’s website. For questions on the re-opening plan for NY State and how it affects Saratoga Springs, email eileen.finneran@saratoga-springs.org or aadyer@ssfdny.org, or call 518-587-3550, ext. 2627. If calling, leave your name, address and a call back number.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Mallory Otto has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Geriatric Care. The practice takes a holistic, age-friendly approach to caring for older patients.

“The population of Saratoga County is aging, and our community’s healthcare needs are changing,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “In response, we’re providing specialized, patient-centered care that can have a positive impact on quality of life.”

Recent reports indicate the percentage of residents age 65 and older in Saratoga County has increased by more than 50% over the past decade, from 26,055 in 2007 to 40,355 in 2017. As a result, seniors now make up 18% of the population, compared with 12% a decade ago.

“Our older patients deserve geriatricians like Dr. Otto, who has the skills, expertise and compassion to help patients manage multiple health conditions and navigate the challenges that often come with aging,” Falivena said. “She is a wonderful addition to our multidisciplinary team.”

Otto has nearly a decade of experience, most recently at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, where she specialized in aging and geriatric medicine. She also served as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Medicine, teaching courses in geriatric medicine, palliative care and rehabilitation medicine. 

A graduate of Cornell University, Otto earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. After an internship and residency in internal medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, she completed fellowship training in geriatric medicine at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital. She is board certified in internal medicine with subspecialty certification in geriatrics.

Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Geriatric Care is located at 119 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, in the Wesley Community.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — May is bike month and more bicycles are on the streets now than at any point in recent history.  The “stay at home order” and its associated challenges have many of us looking for healthy ways to move our bodies and relax our minds.  This is where bicycles come in… as transportation, recreation and relaxation.

Recently, Palette Cafe has started up a weekly “Bike Talk” on Friday evenings as a way to educate, inspire and engage the community in all things bicycle related.  Interested in finding out where to ride? Concerned about  how to stay safe on the roads?  How do I get my bike ready to ride?

Palette Cafe along with co-hosts Maddy Zanetti, cargo bike-riding mother & dog/“porch package” transporter, and Ian Klepetar, founding director of Bicycle Benefits, will be welcoming new guests each week to cover specific topics which are of great interest to the listener/viewer.

Viewers can send questions and comments in as part of the Facebook Live forum. On May 15, Karen Karabell, Cycling Savvy, will host from fear to freedom, how to stay safe out there. On May 22-Evan Pack will share quick fix-it tips from a professional mechanic.

The bike talk will occur every Friday at 6 p.m. until May 29. Check out their Facebook Page atfacebook.com/events/649023728991037  or the Palette Website: www.thepalettecafe.com/event/bike-talk/all/ for more information. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — May 2020 marks the 5th anniversary of Saratoga Tea & Honey Company opening its doors at 348 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

Since 2015, the tea bar and tasting room’s selection of fine loose leaf teas and raw honey have grown, ensuring something for everyone’s specific tastes. The business has also grown to now offer tea tasting classes, wedding and party favors, a wide selection of gift baskets, vintage and traditional teaware, and other items sure to interest any tea or honey lover. 

Company Owner, Hayley Stevens, remarked: “We are so grateful to have found a home in Saratoga Springs. This little city couldn’t be a better place for a small business to take a chance. These five years have rewarded us with wonderful relationships with our customers, local community organizations and other small businesses. We are thankful that in these uncertain times we are still able to serve our customers from a distance, but we look forward to the day when we can see all your smiles. We love and appreciate our communi-tea.” 

While Saratoga Tea & Honey Co. staff were hoping to offer an in-store celebration to ring in the 5th year of operation, they instead would like to thank customers and other small businesses tremendously for their continued support during the uncertainty of the past few months. 

Saratoga Tea & Honey Co. staff looks forward to the future of continuing to serve both locals and visitors alike, sharing their love of tea and honey, and building wonderful connections inside the store at 348 Broadway. In the meantime, they are offering curbside pickup for tea, honey, merchandise and teas to-go, and invite those interested in exploring the collection of offerings to visit their website and social media. For the month of May, they are offering specials on the Tea of the Month, Kukicha, a Japanese Green tea from Shizuoka Prefecture, and the Wellness Tea of the Month, Mother Earth, an herbal blend that supports fertility.