Saratoga County Medical Society Awards Scholarships to Local Graduates
Dr. Gregory Pinto presents the Dr. Ted Gallagher Award to Emily Marincic. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last week, the Saratoga County Medical Society awarded three scholarships to high school seniors Emily Marincic (Shenendehowa), Emma Ye (Ballston Spa), and Lillian Moore (Mechanicville).
The scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors in Saratoga County who are planning to pursue careers in health-related fields.
Marincic won the $1,000 Dr. Ted Gallagher Award, Ye received the $500 Carl Silverman Award, and Moore was given the $250 Honorable Mention Award.
The ceremony took place at The Wishing Well Restaurant in Wilton.
Saratoga Summer Concert Series in Congress Park to Kick Off July 7
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2024 season, kicking off on Sunday, July 7 with Nocturne Troubadours.
The Saratoga Summer Concert Series will take place Sundays in July and Tuesdays in August. Shows will begin at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park and each concert will be approximately 90 minutes. The rain location will be inside the Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway.
First up: July 7 – Nocturne Troubadours. Songs, magic, life, and the spirit of music delivered with soul, the cosmos, and stringed instrumentation. In the tradition of musicians like Gram Parsons, George Harrison, Townes Van Zandt.
Future: July 14 – Fenimore Blues, July 21 – Proudest Monkeys Band; July 28 – Skippy and the Pistons; Aug. 6 – Rustic Spirit; Aug. 13 – Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra; Aug. 20 – Garland Nelson and Soul Session, and Aug. 27 – Mostly Modern Festival.
The free, family-friendly concert series is a program of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center in partnership with Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Arts and the City of Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga Arts makes this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as local sponsors.
Under Consideration: Reuse of School on Regent Street to Residential Units
Sketch of proposed reuse of former educational building to five residential dwelling units.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Under consideration by the Saratoga Springs Planning Board is a proposal that would see the reuse of a former school building at 122 Regent St. to five dwellings for residential purposes.
The applicant, Bonacio Construction, Inc., is seeking site plan approval for the conversion of the educational building that last served as the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs High School.
Manhattan to Saratoga: Bicycle Advocates Look Back for Inspiration for Ride In The Future
Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works Commissioner Jason Golub (left) and Bikeatoga Advocacy Chair Ed Lindner (right), unveil a new historical marker at 341 Broadway on June 26, 2024 celebrating Wentworth Rollins’ bike ride to Saratoga Springs in 1879. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —A historical marker celebrating an 1879 bicycle ride to Saratoga Springs by “America’s first long-distance bike tourist” Wentworth Rollins was placed on Broadway this week.
Saratoga nonprofit Bikeatoga unveiled the newly installed marker at 341 Broadway to commemorate Wentworth Rollins’ bike ride. The journey, mostly by bicycle, landed Rollins in Saratoga Springs in early July 1879. He subsequently spent the next two weeks seeing “all that is to be seen on a bicycle around Saratoga,” according to newspaper reports of the time, before continuing at month’s end on his 1,300-mile total journey to Chicago.
“The 1890s bicycle boom changed America and it changed Saratoga Springs,” said Bikeatoga Advocacy Chair Ed Lindner, who briefly spoke before unveiling the sign during the June 26 ceremony, attended by about a dozen people, some draped in late 19th century period dress that included straw hats, vests tied up high and coffee-color cloth-top Victorian button boots.
Four weeks ago, the group celebrated the installation of a new historical marker commemorating the 1898 Union Avenue bike path, unveiled in front of the Empire State College building at 2 Union Ave.
“We have a nationally known world-class tourist city that’s surrounded by miles and miles of great rural cycling routes,” said Lindner, who 15 or 20 years ago took avidly to bike-riding after his orthopedist suggested the activity as an alternative to running.
“If the city of Saratoga Springs can complete the bike lane from Railroad Run to Congress Park downtown, it will be possible to recreate Wentworth Rollins’ 1879 run,” Lindner said.
That connector would act as a component to the county’s undertaking of extending a route from Ballston Spa to the Saratoga Spa State Park – a project anticipated to be completed during the next few years. “Then, it will become possible once again to stand on a corner in midtown Manhattan and to set out on a bicycle to Saratoga,” Lindner said.
“From New York to the Nuclear Navy” Opens June 29 at State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs: Exhibit Tracks the History of the Nuclear Navy In New York
The dedication of the Hortonsphere at the Kesselring site in July 1955, a piece of the sphere is part of a new exhibit at the NYS Military Museum. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new exhibit at the New York State Military Museum in Saratoga Springs highlights the history of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and the contributions to the advancement of the program made in New York.
The exhibit provides an immersive experience that includes over 60 artifacts from across the program, kids activities and QR codes that provide a portal to films, presentations and websites with additional information.
Titled “From New York to the Nuclear Navy,” the exhibition was developed in a collaboration between the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, Naval Reactors, the USS Nautilus Museum in Groton, Connecticut and the New York State Military Museum.
To celebrate the opening of the exhibit to the public there will be ice cream, a brass band, activities for children, and representatives from the U.S. Navy and Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel on hand from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday June 29.
Founded in 1948 by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) has total responsibility for all aspects of the Navy’s nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The program’s responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training and assignment of personnel.
Since the very beginning, New York State has played an important role in the program; from the first contract signed in 1946 with General Electric in Schenectady to design and develop prototype nuclear propulsion systems to today and the advanced design work performed at the Knolls Laboratory in Niskayuna and the nuclear operator training occurring at the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site in West Milton.
The exhibit will include over sixty artifacts highlighting the history of the program and celebrating the contributions of the Naval Nuclear Laboratory sites, including the keel plate from the Hortonsphere at the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site and a 3D printed model of a submarine’s nuclear propulsion system.
The museum, maintained by the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
For more information on the Museum visit: https://museum.dmna.ny.gov
County Hopes To Rename Saratoga National Historical Park as “Saratoga National Battlefield Park”
BALLSTON SPA— At its monthly meeting held June 18 at the county complex in Ballston Spa, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution to rename the Saratoga National Historical Park as the Saratoga National Battlefield Park
The resolution, introduced by and brought forward to the supervisors by the county Law and Finance Committee, requests the U.S. Congress and the National Park Service consider the change as the park commemorates the Battles of Saratoga, according to the resolution.
“That was the original park’s name and a unique identifier,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett said.
“The term “Battlefield” more accurately reflects the historical significance of the site, emphasizing the crucial military engagements that took place (and) will enhance public understanding and appreciation of its historical importance,” states the measure.
American troops engaged in combat with the British army at Freeman’s Farm in September 1777, and at Bemis Heights a few weeks later. Overall, approximately 22,000 forces engaged in the battles with nearly 1,500 estimated casualties, according to the American Battlefield Trust. The American victory persuaded France to sign a treaty with the United States against Britain.
“We believe that is a prudent step to provide tourists and visitors with something more obvious to review and know relating to the description of the park itself,” said Barrett, after the 20-0 vote was approved to send the request off to Congress.
The year 2027 will mark the 250th anniversary of the battles at Saratoga, two battles which historians have called the turning point of the American Revolution.
An Update From Impressions of Saratoga
SARATOGA SPRINGS—On Wednesday, June 19, at 3:30 in the morning there was a small fire in the basement of the 368 Broadway building. No one was injured and no businesses/apartments suffered damages. Thanks to the courageous building manager everyone was safely out of the building within minutes and emergency services were on site. It was determined a pipe had burst under Phila Street causing a flood in the basement leading to an electrical fire.
With that said, there were electrical damages and Impressions, and their neighbors, unable to open at this time BUT as you know Impressions never stops! And always finds the silver lining. All operations have shifted to, The Dark Horse Mercantile (445 Broadway) for the time being. Updates will be posted on social media (and occasional emails) to let you know the progress. “If possible other “shopping options” will be added, we are looking into any possibilities to make sure we are there for our customers… and the hungry dogs who are looking for their daily treats!” says co-owner Maddy Zanetti.
Hours have been extended at The Dark Horse Mercantile, 9:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday. If you are looking for something from Impressions of Saratoga call ahead and it will be waiting for you at The Dark Horse Mercantile (518-587-0689). Online shopping is available as well at ImpressionsSaratoga.com.
“We pride ourselves on good, old-fashioned customer service and we will do what we can to make the shopping experience as easy as possible,” Marianne Barker, co-owner, said. “We are so thankful to have such a flexible staff and supportive community. We truly appreciate all of your support and look forward to being open at BOTH locations very soon.”
The Heritage Area Visitor Center & Saratoga Springs History Museum Kick Off Walking Tour Season
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum, announces the return of their 2024 Grand, Gilded and Glorious: A Saratoga Stroll Guided Walking Tour.
This 90-minute guided walking tour will guide participants from the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center to Congress Park and will conclude with a complete tour of the elegant Canfield Casino and admission to the Saratoga Springs History Museum.
The 2024 tours run Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to noon from July 2 – Oct. 19. Tickets are $20 per person (adults), children 12 and under are free. To purchase tickets, please call the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor 518-587-3241, Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tours begins at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, 297 Broadway.
Saratoga National Historical Park Special Events in July
Stillwater — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in July with the following offerings:
Victory Woods Walk – Tuesday, July 2, 9:00 am to 10:30, Saratoga Monument Parking Lot. Biological Technician Linda White leads a walk from the Saratoga Monument through Victory Woods exploring the trees and timelines of the area.
Citizenship Ceremony – Thursday, July 4, 10:00 am, Visitor Center Lawn. Saratoga National Historical Park welcomes 21 new American citizens! Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Thursday, July 4 – 2:00 pm, Visitor Center Patio. Most Americans, including those in the Continental Army, would have first heard the stirring words of the Declaration of Independence in a public reading. Park Volunteer Joe Craig recreates such a scene.
Picture Saratoga – Friday July 5 (Rain Date July 12), 8:00 am to 10:00 am, Meet at Visitor Center Lawn. Join Park Volunteer and Photographer, David Truland, along with Park Visual Information Specialist, Kristin Vinduska to explore Saratoga National Historical Park through your camera lens. The program will take visitors on a 3-mile hike from the Visitor Center on the Wilkinson Trail out to Stop 6 and 7. People of all skill sets are welcome to join and bring anything from their favorite camera set-up to the camera on their phone. Visitors will be invited to share how they capture the beauty of the park through their own creative vision. To reserve your spot and be notified in case of the need to reschedule due to weather, contact sara_reservations@nps.gov.
History Caravan – Sunday, July 7, and Saturday, July 13, 9:30 am, Meet in the Visitor Center. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like. May be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Uniforming the Continental Army – Sunday, July 14, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Visitor Center Lawn. The American Northern Army encamped at Saratoga Battlefield in 1777 included thousands of Continental soldiers from New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. These soldiers wore a variety of colorful uniforms made of wool or linen, all of which needed to be hand tailored. Their leather shoes were made by hand using a careful, painstaking process. Come to the park to see an 18th-century tailor and cordwainer (not a cobbler!) make these uniform parts using authentic period techniques.
Frederick Douglass Returns to Schuylerville – Saturday, July 27, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm, Schuyler House. Join us as we commemorate and examine 250 years of the United States and meet the great abolitionist and freedom fighter Fredrick Douglass as he returns to Schuylerville. Despite promising in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” the new nation that emerged after the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolution did not begin to approach those lofty ideals. Among other failings, the nation’s continued reliance on slavery, present from the beginning here in New York, and the exclusion of women from voting were just two of the most glaring. Frederick Douglass, himself having experienced enslavement, emerged as one of the most forceful advocates for addressing both in the 19th century.
Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy – Saturday, July 27, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Town of Saratoga Town Hall (12 Spring St., Schuylerville. Frederick Douglass Speaks on Democracy Inspired by the ideals of the American Revolution and the sacrifices of his forefathers, the Black men of the Continental Army and militias who served throughout the war and here at Saratoga, Frederick Douglass argued for the creation of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. After the war, he continued advocating for an expanded idea of democracy. One place he did that was in Schuylerville, on June 8, 1849. Nathan Richardson is an author, poet, and historian who has performed as Frederick Douglass around the United States for more than a decade.
Saratoga National Historical Park encompasses five sites including the Saratoga Battlefield, General Philip Schuyler’s House, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Monument and Sword Surrender Site totaling 3,579 acres. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 670-2985, visit www.nps.gov/sara or find the park on Facebook or Twitter @SaratogaNHP.