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County Accepts State Funds for Public Health Infrastructure, Emergency Preparedness; New Dem. Election Commissioner Appointed  

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors on July 18 held their monthly meeting at the county complex in Ballston Spa. 

The meeting began with an observed moment of silence in memory of longtime town of Saratoga Supervisor Tom Wood, who died on July 10. Ian Murray, previously deputy supervisor, was welcomed by the Board to complete Wood’s term as town supervisor.  

Among the resolutions approved by the Board:  

• The Board approved the acceptance of nearly $700,000 in grant funding from the State Department of Health to upgrade the county’s public health care system over a five-year period.  

The grant in the amount of $136,944 per year, is effective Dec. 1, 2022, through Nov. 30, 2027 and totals $684,720 in all, to “create a stronger, more resilient public health care system that is prepared to respond to future health care crises.” 

The funding, according to the county Board resolution, is to be used in strengthening public health infrastructure, workforce and data systems. 

With the acceptance of the state funding, the Board approved amending the 2023 Saratoga County Budget to allow the $136,944 increase this calendar year and to increase a variety of appropriations, including: Furniture and Furnishings – $15,000; Office Equipment – $5,000; Personal Computers – $18,900; Building Components – $8,000; Other Capital Expenses – $31,169; Other Professional Services – $40,000; Misc. Dept. Expense – $5,500; Conference Fees $3,000; Software $9,850; Minor IT Equipment $525. 

• The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors additionally approved the acceptance of $231,894 in grant funding from the state DOH to be used for Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program activities for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. No further details were provided with the resolution. 

• Cassandra M. Bagramian was appointed Commissioner of Elections for Saratoga County, in according with a Board resolution July 18. Bagramian’s appointment, at a salary of $91,800, takes effect Sept. 15 and concludes Dec. 31, 2024, fulfilling the remaining term of William Fruci, who is retiring. The appointment of Bagramian, a Democrat, comes via recommendation of the Saratoga County Democratic Committee. Roger J. Schiera, a Republican, is the other Commissioner of Elections for Saratoga County.  

Discussion: Saratoga’s Greenridge Cemetery at Canfield Casino July 27

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Hiker, monument dedicated in 1923 to honor local Spanish–American War veterans. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum will host a discussion of the many fascinating symbols found in historic Greenridge Cemetery, as well as early burial, mourning and funeral customs.

This illustrated talk takes place at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, and is presented by Jacqueline Bunge, the History Museum’s Education Director.

Consecrated on June 8, 1844, Greenridge was influenced by the Rural Cemetery Movement popular in the first half of the 19th century. Laid out in park-like fashion, paths and roadways meander through forested rolling hills, creating pleasant vistas. The idea was to create a place of beauty to help ease the pain of mourning.

Symbols such as weeping willows, inverted torches and broken columns tell unique stories when found on gravestones, mausoleums and other memorials. Notable grave markers to be discussed include: locomotive engineer Willoby McMillan, pianist Obed Coleman, poet sisters Lucretia and Margaret Davidson, the Batcheller family and inventor Ransom Cook. 

Also to be explored in the talk: Unique areas of the cemetery including the Mary L. Sackett Memorial Gates, the Civil War Memorial and “The Hiker” Spanish–American War Memorial.

The live program takes place in the parlor of the historic Canfield Casino. Admission is free for History Museum Members, and $10 for non-Members. Tickets and more details at www.saratogahistory.org/events.

Revolution Along the Hudson River Programs Coming to Schuylerville and Stillwater

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — A pair of Revolution Along the Hudson River programs are scheduled to take place July 25 at Stillwater’s Riverfront Park and Aug. 1 at Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville.

The summer speaker series, Revolution on the Hudson, is an event series created and presented by America’s Turning Point, that will engage the community and honor the rich history of the region. 

The programs were announced during a recent meeting of the towns of Saratoga and Stillwater 250th American Revolution Committee. During the meeting, the committee discussed recent accomplishments and future plans for commemorative events.

America’s Turning Point Pathways through History weekend, slated for Oct. 7-8, will take place at the Stillwater Blockhouse, Saratoga Battlefield, and Schuyler House, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the American Revolution in the local area.  This is part of the Town’s partnership with the Saratoga County 250th Commission, America’s Turning Point, and the Saratoga National Historical Park.

The meeting also addressed the need to identify an appropriate location for the 2027 Battles Commemorations and a smaller event planned for 2024. 

The next committee meeting is scheduled to take place Sept. 13.  For more information about the upcoming events, contact the Towns of Saratoga and Stillwater 250th American Revolution Committee through Mackenzie Macey, Historian Town of Stillwater  mmacey@stillwaterny.org.

Mapping Progress: Local Man’s New Venture Helps Others Find Their Way 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

A section of Saratoga County depicted in the most current edition of Discovery Map.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — “Even after 17 years, I’m still in a honeymoon period with Saratoga,” says Dan De Federicis. “It’s just a wonderful place to be in any stage of your life.”

The retired State Trooper relocated from his native Buffalo to Albany in 2001 after being elected president of the NYS Troopers PBA. “Each successive year, I found myself coming to Saratoga Springs more and more. It was 4th of July holiday weekend in 2005 when I drove to Saratoga from Albany four times! That’s when I said, ‘That’s it. I’m moving to Saratoga Springs.’” 

These days, De Federicis operates Saratoga Report – a local news aggregator website that collects and displays links to Saratoga-related stories. 

“It’s funny, for my website, Saratoga Report, I do all these searches every morning – anything to do with Saratoga – and I came across this sale offer,” he says. “I made some calls.”  

The calls led him to Charlie McCabe, handler of the estate of his dad Matt McCabe – a much loved Saratoga Springs businessman, musician and a former city commissioner. Notably, Matt McCabe operated Saratoga Guitar for more than a quarter-century until his untimely passing in January 2021 due to complications of COVID-19.    

In October 2020, McCabe had purchased a franchise in Discovery Map of Saratoga. The Discovery Map International brand was founded in 1981 and features hand-drawn maps of more than 130 largely tourism destinations with more than 90 franchisees. 

The maps, which are free, provide travelers a resource to find local lodging, dining, shopping, services and fun things to do in their focused locations. Overall, more than 16 million maps are printed annually, according to the company.  

Focus areas range from Santa Monica, California to the Berkshires and Hyannis in Massachusetts. Eight municipalities are showcased by Discovery Map in New York State alone – East Hampton, South Hampton, Lake George, Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs, among them.  

“As much as we rely on our smartphones, people still prefer printed-out maps,” McCabe said at the time of his franchise purchase. “The maps are truly like works of art and reveal the character of an area… and there is a lot of that in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding areas.”

“I did my due diligence, looked into the company, called other franchisees around the country and learned they’re really good to work with,” says De Federicis. “I saw it as an opportunity, and that it was Matt McCabe who had previously owned it, only added to it. I feel honored to follow in his footsteps.” 

Paper maps have made a resurgence in recent years, with maps and atlases selling 1.8 million units last year, up 20% over 2021, according to the NPD Group, an international agency that measures business data and analytics.   

The Discovery Map of Saratoga covers all of Saratoga County. It is colorful, two-sided, measures about 18 inches by 14 inches and is bordered by thumb-sized adverts. It folds neatly into quarters and depicts a large segment of Saratoga County on one side, and a close-up of downtown Saratoga Springs on the other.  

De Federicis found a business opportunity as well as something close to his heart. 

 “There is so much going on in Saratoga, there is a lot of opportunity to grow this. I not only wanted to work in Saratoga, but I wanted my work to be about Saratoga,” he says. “What I’m doing now, I love doing. It doesn’t even seem like work to me.”  

The franchise term is for 10 years, and the maps are updated and printed annually. De Federicis said his plan is to secure advert sales from those who want their establishments depicted on the map for next year’s edition through this calendar year and go to print on the 2024 issue in January.  Interested parties can contact Dan De Federicis at: dand@discoverymap.com. 

“The support (from Discovery Map) is incredible. For instance, let’s say I sign up a new restaurant. Well then, their staff adds the building to the map. And they’re not just going to draw a dot or a square, the building will look like the building it’s representing.” 

The maps are folded to a convenient 8.5-inch by 11-inch size and available free of charge up and down Broadway and all-around town, as well as across the county in local stores, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions, among other places.  

While the maps will be updated annually, one characteristic will be preserved, De Federicis says. 

“On the map itself there is a caricature of Matt McCabe with his guitar. As soon as I saw that, I told Charlie that his father’s caricature will stay on there for as long as I own this map.” 

Saratoga High Parking: New Rules in Effect in September

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

Streets affected by new time-limit parking rules. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — There will be new parking rules in effect on public streets in proximity to Saratoga Springs High School this fall that are anticipated to affect neighborhood residents and student drivers alike.   

Citing public safety hazards and disruptions caused by Saratoga Springs High School students parking vehicles on residential streets near the school, a group of affected residents took their grievances to the City Council this week.  

The residents, led by speaker Melissa Thompson-Flynn, provided a presentation that they said illustrated issues created due to the number, and in some cases the manner, in which students park their vehicles on streets neighboring the school during the semester.  The issues stated include: allowing little parking for residents or delivery vehicles, blocking residents’ access to their homes, difficulties for other vehicles to navigate, and insufficient clearance for emergency vehicles. 

Thirty-five signatures from 21 households were presented to the council on behalf of signees supporting the implementation of two-hour parking restrictions on five streets. The presentation, a Public Hearing and council discussion and eventual vote were held at City Hall July 18.    

Ultimately, the City Council, by a unanimous 5-0 vote, approved an ordinance to implement the “Time Limit Parking” on Willow Lane and Ash, Hyde, Birch, and Joseph streets.  

While students may continue to park on the streets come fall, they must now move their vehicles every two hours. 

The council said it anticipates – with no further action – that this will likely create similar problematic scenarios on other neighboring streets as students will seek a place to park their vehicles a few blocks further from the school. As such, they noted they were approving the ordinance with the acknowledgement that “this now puts pressure on us” as a council, as well as the school and potentially other stakeholders, to find a long-term solution.    

County Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Tom Wood

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

Tom Wood. File photo.

SARATOGA — Lifelong town of Saratoga resident, former town historian and longtime county Supervisor Tom Wood passed away this week.  

“Even though we knew it was coming it’s still very sad news: Supervisor Wood passed away this morning after a long courageous battle with cancer,“ said newly-minted Supervisor Ian Murray at Town Hall in Saratoga on a rainy-gray Monday – the Board’s monthly meeting coming coincidentally on the day of Wood’s passing.  

“Tom was a gentle caring person to everyone he met and a valued public servant throughout his life – from teacher to supervisor, always serving,” Murray continued. “God bless Tom and his family.”

County Board Of Supervisors Chairman Theodore Kusnierz said he was saddened to learn of the passing of the longtime Supervisor of the town of Saratoga.  

“Tom was a distinguished member of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, a staunch advocate for his constituents, and a steward for the preservation of our County’s historic lands,” Kusnierz said, in a statement.  

“To honor Supervisor Wood and his nearly two decades of service to the people of Saratoga County, all County flags will fly at half-staff for one week. My colleagues on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and I send strength and support to his family during this difficult time.”

Saratoga Bridges Fundraiser Raises Record $227K

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CBA Buglers at The White Party presents Horsepower and Highballs in June. Photo provided.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A record $227,000 was raised at The White Party presents Horsepower and Highballs.  

The event was attended by 335 guests dressed in white or their best tack and was held in June at the 1863 Club located at Saratoga Race Course.   

The event featured live entertainment, food, cocktails and an auction. Kimberly and Leigh McConchie were event co-chairs. News Channel 13 anchor Chris Onorato was program emcee. 

As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, Saratoga Bridges has provided services and programs to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years, by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life. For more information about the organization, go to: saratogabridges.org. 

New Study Examines Regional Economic Impact of Race Course, SPAC, Casino, National Park

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

An 83-page report commissioned by the Saratoga County IDA explores the economic impact on the 9-county greater Capital Region of Saratoga Race Course, SPAC, the Casino Hotel and Saratoga National Historical Park.

SARATOGA COUNTY —  The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency this week released the results of a commissioned study to analyze the far-reaching economic effects of the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and the Saratoga National Historical Park.

The study examines the economic impacts of the four Saratoga County major tourism drivers to a nine-county study region that includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties. The analysis provides a comparative breakdown of economic impacts such as jobs, attendance, and spending, and includes the direct impact of each destination, as well as the indirect and induced spillover impacts.

In total, these destinations contributed 5,770 jobs, $266.9 million associated employee earnings, and $647.6 million in annual sales in 2021, according to the report. 

The “direct impacts” include the on-site operations of the destinations, as well as visitor spending. Indirect and induced impacts capture the spillover impact from the activity, including supply chain and employee spending-related impacts.

“The results of the Economic Analysis of these tourism sectors provide a positive forecast that indicates Saratoga County will continue to grow and thrive as one of Upstate New York’s most desirable counties in which to live, visit, and do business for the foreseeable future,” Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency Chairman Rod Sutton explains in his introductory remarks of the 83-page report,  prepared by Camoin Associates, which is based in Saratoga Springs.  

The breakdown, according to the report: 

Saratoga Race Course – 2,937 Jobs; $157.8 m Earnings; $371. m Sales 

SPAC – 1,362 Jobs; $26.9 m Earnings; $78.2 m Sales

Saratoga Casino Hotel – 1,388 Jobs; $77.1 m Earnings; $185.2 m Sales 

Saratoga Nat. Hist. Park – 83 Jobs; $4.8 m Earnings; $13 m Sales

*Earnings, Sales rounded off.

As far as Fiscal Impact Results, the destinations in total contribute nearly $5.7 million in total property, sales, and occupancy tax revenue to Saratoga County and almost $18.2 million in total income and sales tax revenue to New York State, according to the report. In addition to these tax revenues, the Saratoga Race Course makes nearly $6.9 million in additional statutory payments to municipalities and other entities. 

Prior studies – which were held in 2006, 2011 and 2015 – looked solely at the economic impact of Saratoga Race Course. 

To read the full report, go to: www.saratogacountyida.org. 

Bomb Threat Evacuates SPAC Show

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Several area law enforcement agencies responded to a bomb threat at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 8. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax.

Inside the amphitheater, the band Garbage had concluded their 15-song set at approximately 9 p.m. and those who remained in attendance awaited the appearance of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds when message boards informed fans to evacuate the venue in a calm manner. A reason was not provided, and some noted that at least one of the buses backstage transporting the performers had already left.   

“Hey, just got evacuated from SPAC after the changeover from Garbage to Noel Gallagher,” said William Marley, a music fan in attendance. “Sat for 30 minutes after they tuned guitars. Bus pulled out then evac. warning went up.”

Concert promoter Live Nation released no statement and for the balance of the evening; a tweet was posted by the band Garbage. “We have no idea what happened tonight. We were just all evacuated and we were concerned for everyone !!!” read the tweet.  “I’m sorry we have no real information. We were just told there was an emergency evacuation!!!!”

It wasn’t until the following day that an agency in an official capacity reported the reason for the evacuation. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, the concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was suspended at 9:40 p.m. and concert attendees were evacuated without incident. K9s completed a sweep of the venue after the crowd exited, with negative results,” according to the posting from the New York State Park Police. “This incident is under investigation. This case will be investigated as Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class D Felony.”

The night included scheduled appearances by the bands Garbage and Metric, but Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – the night’s headlining act – never made it to the stage due to the evacuation. Fans holding tickets to the show were provided no information from Live Nation regarding whether a make-up date or refund will be forthcoming. 

According to the promoter’s website: “Cancelations will only occur in the event of severe weather, artist cancelation or an act of God. In the event of a cancelation local media will be notified and any information about a potential reschedule will be made available. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.”

Temple Sinai Welcomes Interim Rabbi David Katz

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Rabbi David Katz. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Temple Sinai welcomes Rabbi David Katz to lead the congregation as its interim rabbi beginning this month. 

Rabbi Katz, a Rochester, N.Y. native, comes to the position after the retirement of co-Rabbis Jonathan Rubenstein and Linda Motzkin after 36 years as spiritual leaders in Saratoga Springs at the end of December 2022. 

Katz was ordained in 1981 and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Hebrew Union College in 2006. He has served in rabbinical and academic roles for more 40 years, the last 12 as an interim rabbi, most recently at Temple Concord in Syracuse, N.Y. and B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany. 

He has written numerous articles and is the co-author of “Reading Between the Lines: New Stories from the Bible.” He served on committees that developed Mishkan T”filah, the newest Reform Judaism prayer book, published in 2007 and used widely throughout North America.

A Temple Sinai Search Committee will conduct a nationwide search for a permanent rabbi.

For more information, visit www.saratogasinai.org or contact the Temple Sinai office at office@saratogasinai.org.