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ALBANY — During his Friday afternoon press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo specified that COVID-19 infection rates have fallen much more “dramatically” in regions of upstate New York than they have downstate, but stopped short of officially announcing portions of the state will reopen after May 15, when the governor’s “NY on PAUSE” order expires.    

“We have the beast on the run. We haven’t killed the beast – but we’re ahead of it. The hospitalization rate is coming down, the death rate is coming down, so that’s all good news and I feel that – for the first time in this engagement – we are actually ahead of the virus,” Cuomo said.

“We have the virus on the run because we have been smart, because we have been disciplined,” he said.

“If you look at these numbers now, and factor them forward, the numbers in upstate New York have been dramatically different than downstate… and we’ll be talking about construction, manufacturing, reopening in upstate,” Cuomo said. “We get to May 15, I’ll lay out the numbers – here are the numbers, and here is what the numbers say.” 

Cuomo added: “Downstate, I don’t think those numbers are going to change dramatically enough to make a difference in the next few days.”     

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Contact tracing, tracking where someone has been for a period of time, can become a key aspect in fighting the battle with COVID-19. 

Aarathi Prasad, assistant professor of computer science at Skidmore College, started studying contact tracing six years ago, a time when no one understood why she chose to focus on that topic. 

“I couldn’t convince people that was an important problem because at that time people had the flu and measles. Measles was too rare and the flu too common, so it was hard to convince people that it was an important problem to work on,” Prasad said.

She found herself immersed once again in her studies when COVID-19 hit the community. Prasad believes using contact tracing technology is key to completely stopping the spread. 

“The process of contract tracing is as follows: When someone has symptoms, they go to get tested. When they get tested positive, it’s up to the public health workers who will reach out to people they may have been in contact with. That’s what contact tracing is,” Prasad said. 

Prasad aims to focus on developing a method to compliment the work of public health workers. Using wireless technology, Prasad wanted to help people see the value in sharing while protecting their privacy. She focused on preserving identity and location privacy. 

“Any technology can only help after there is the positive test. The goal is to make it easy for the memorabilia aspect,” Prasad said. “Suppose I ask you where have you been in the last 40 days? It’s easy now, because you’re safe at home most of the time; it’s easy to think about how many times you’ve left the house. But once the lockdown ends, it’s going to be hard if people just resume their normal activities and keeping track of where you went. That’s where wireless technologies can help.” 

The tracking technology app can support public workers as they tackle the battle with the virus. The app can make it easier for those public health workers to reach out to people who may have been in contact with the disease. 

However, Prasad studied not only tracing technology, but focused on how long a virus remains on the surface. She learned that tracing active viruses on a surface and alerting people of a contact they might not have seen to be a challenge.

“The technology that I see now is only looking at the following. Let’s say the infected person was in the library, we would alert everybody else that was at the library at the same time,” Prasad said. “But we’re not thinking about what happens after he leaves and before all the surfaces he touched were wiped down, what happens then? How do we alert the people that he did not see?”

Prasad hopes to have an app solution before restrictions are lifted. However, the problem lies in everyone using the same app. On April 29, the Washington Post released an article stating 3 out of 5 Americans are not willing or able to use an app tracking system. The article states that 1 in 6 Americans do not have smart phones, which would be necessary to use the app. Of the 82 percent of the population who have smart phones, 50 percent had a willingness to use an infection-tracing app. 

“Most of them didn’t trust private companies,” Prasad said. “What we need is to build trust in whatever technology or app that would be helpful so people can see a value in that app. It’s a similar idea to everyone staying at home now, to protect others. By downloading the app it’s the same thing, except you can move around.”

Prasad said supporting an open source app, in which the code behind the app is on the Internet, would allow users to understand and view how the data is being collected and used. Being more transparent would build trust and allow altruistic sharing.

“Altruistic sharing, when you have some information you want to share with someone else because you see a benefit in sharing,” Prasad said. “But it can’t be just one solution. I think the technology compliments contact tracing. The technology cannot solve everything, it cannot detect the virus, that’s what public health does. So we want the technology to work side by side.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Traditionally, on the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation hosts its Historic Homes Tour, their largest fundraiser of the year, as a way to celebrate the history and architecture of Saratoga Springs.  The event always kicks-off with a Porch Party. 

However, since the Foundation cannot gather together because of social distancing guidelines, it invites you to join their Virtual Porch Party.  The event will feature live music by popular local musician Rich Ortiz 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. People are encouraged to gather on your porch or in the comfort of your own home, order food out to support your favorite local restaurant or make your own, and share photos to win giveaways and contest prizes. 

Post a picture/video of you toasting preservation during the Virtual Porch Party on Saturday, May 9 to have the opportunity to win gift cards to great local restaurants and stores that were purchased by the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as their way to support locally-owned businesses that over the years have given so much to the Foundation. 

The Foundation wants to see your best Saratoga-themed porch decorations and decorations that reflect this moment in history.  If you participate, you have the opportunity to win great porch packages from TOGA HERITAGE and Impressions of Saratoga.  The Porch Decorating Contests are open to everyone, near and far. The person who participates from the farthest distance will win a prize.

Preserve your moment in history with a “Porch-trait” by Brian V Photography.  This local professional photographer will take a family photo of you on your porch to capture this moment and preserve it for the future.   For a $50 donation you can reserve one of the limited times available on Friday, May 8 or Saturday, May 9 in Saratoga Springs.  Reservations must be secured by Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m.

To donate, buy a ticket, participate in the porch decorating contest, reserve your “Porch-trait,” and to learn more about the various ways to be eligible for giveaways, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or follow the event on Facebook. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.  To learn more or to join please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — First, the money. In 2019, $2.1 billion was wagered on 2,000 races at Saratoga, Aqueduct and Belmont, according to the New York Racing Association. 

The Saratoga meet (40 days) delivered the largest return of gambled money – $147 million wagered at the track, and a $705 million all-source handle – meaning many more dollars were spent on Saratoga races at off-track betting sites across the globe, than were at the actual track. Other 2019 betting dollars: Belmont Spring & Summer – 48 days, $525 million all-source handle; Belmont Fall – 37 days, $275 million; Aqueduct – 25 days Fall, $205 million.      

What they are saying about Saratoga: 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo: You can’t open an attraction that could bring people from across the state to that attraction and overwhelm a region. We have time to decide first of all, but I don’t think you can open Saratoga Race Course (slated July 16) and the State Fair (Syracuse – slated Aug. 21) unless we can open all large-scale attractions statewide.  Density is not our friend…How do you do sit six feet apart at the racetrack?   

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New York Racing Association plans to open at Belmont first, then Saratoga – Closing to spectators and reducing employees and support staff to only those who are required under the rules of racing.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, 113th Assembly District: move forward planning to hold this year’s race meet. Potential “opportunities including but not limited to social distancing, limited viewership, and personal protective equipment.”

Elsie Stefanik, 21st Congressional District: explore options for the racecourse to reopen for the meet with updated operations based on public health recommendations. Protect public health but also ensure the meet moves forward in a modified capacity to protect the public’s health.

Board of Directors of the Adirondack Trust Company: give NYRA time to draw up careful plans—subject to state approval—that would allow a limited number of fans to attend racing consistent with safety protocols. Examples: limiting the number of seats and/or entry tickets sold, marking and monitoring designated viewing areas to ensure proper social distancing, plexiglass screens, mandatory temperature checks and masks, changes in backstretch housing and strong protections for workers, strictly enforced.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The pandemic brought the cancelation of many events, but one front line worker won a Wedding Relief Package from Saratoga Event Planner Fine Affairs. 

Healthcare worker Amanda Kondrat was announced as the winner this past weekend. The contest was hosted on Instagram, and users were encouraged to nominate and vote for their “Health Care Hero.” 

Fine Affairs partnered with other local businesses to offer the package, and received over 5,000 nominations. 

The package includes:

• Decor & Rental items by Fine Affairs, Geriann Eddy
• A Floral credit fromSurroundings Floral Studio
• Ceremony and Cocktail Hourlive acoustic music by Jay Yager
• Wedding Coordination Services from Wendy Lawrence Weddings & Events
• Bridal Day-Of Hair & Makeup by Blush518
• Barber Services for the Groomby Matthew Shufelt from Vinny’s Barbershop of Saratoga
• Penthouse Suite Planning Retreat at Pavilion Grand Hotelincluding a full pamper day by Make Me Fab Salon, Spa & Bridal
• Custom Hand Painted Wedding Glasses & Christmas Ornament by Custom Creations by Cyndie Wade
• Bridal Shop credit for in house gown and designer tux by Ferri Formals & Bridals
• A Credit towards The New YorkPlayers Mike Emery

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On May 4 construction began on the pedestrian bridge which will connect the Saratoga Springs City Center to the new Flat Rock parking structure. Designed for maximum transparency, the glass walls, which will be installed over the next month, will allow guests a view of the city.  Once completed the Flat Rock parking structure, which will have six hundred parking spaces, will allow Saratoga Springs to compete for new events that had not considered Saratoga Springs in the past.

Rendering of finished skywalk & parking garage. Image provided.

The dairy industry has been struggling for many years and recently COVID-19 has added additional pressure, forcing many producers to dump milk. Stewart’s dairy producers aren’t dumping milk; in fact, they’re receiving increased premiums and decreased hauling costs from Stewart’s that goes beyond what they receive above the Federal Market Administrator cost. In addition, Stewart’s has again decreased retail milk pricing. Effective May 4th, all gallons and half gallons were decreased by .10 cents for customers.

Stewart’s relief to dairy producers comes with increased competitive premiums, by .50 cents from .10/cwt to .60/cwt for the month of May and could be extended into June. In addition, the company is extending their fuel savings with a decreased hauling charge for the month of May.

With schools and restaurants closed, the dairy industry is producing 15% more milk than the American public can consume, leading many dairy producers to have no choice but to dump excess milk.

According to Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake, “We happened to be in the right position at the right time with our packaged dairy products and our nearly 100 years of experience in the dairy industry. Our fresh and local dairy products continue to experience more demand and we are pleased that we are in a position to offer savings to our customers and relief to our dairy producers during these uncertain times.”

The company relies on 25 local dairy farms, while many other retailers purchase their milk from co-ops. Stewart’s is in a unique position sourcing their raw milk from local dairies, picking up the milk with their own haulers, and processing and bottling it themselves at their manufacturing plant in Greenfield. This allows them to have more control and efficiency and pass on savings to both the customer and the dairy producer.

PALMERTOWN — Saratoga PLAN, preserving land and nature, received a $500,000 grant from the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund, the largest private cash gift made to the organization.

The grant will go towards the planning and design of roughly 20 miles of trails built in the Southern Palmertown Range. Home to 8,000 acres of protected lands, the project will establish the area as a recreational destination while conserving its natural resources.

“The Palmertown Range forms the southeastern-most corner of the Adirondacks. The undeveloped acreage of this semi-wild woodland provides climate-resilient habitat, replenishes streams and lakes, our source of clean drinking water, and fosters a sustainable forestry and tourism industry,” said Maria Trabka, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN in a release. “Fast-growing local populations and visitors to the area will be able to enjoy a permanently conserved wilderness experience within easy access of their homes and lodgings.” 

The project aims to protect and conserve the ecological areas in Palmertown. According to Saratoga Plan’s website, another goal is to use the grant to establish Community Forests. The Community Forests are communally owned woodlands managed by the local community.

The development of the multi-use trail will add to the spine trail system aimed to connect Saratoga Spa State Park to Moreau Lake State Park. Discussion of the trail master plan is currently underway. According to Saratoga PLAN website, the plan will be used to determine where trails can be sited appropriately and which recreational uses can be supported in the area. Developers of the master plan will design site-specific trail networks for properties with willing landlords. 

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“This grant will support the development of a recreational trail network within Saratoga County that will provide people with a place to enjoy nature and wildlife while also creating a vital protected corridor for wildlife habitat and movement. The trail system has been recognized as a top priority by business owners, partners, and outdoor recreation interest groups, and this funding will help make that goal a reality,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute (OSI). OSI has been collaborating with Saratoga PLAN on projects in the Palmertown Range for several years,” Elliman said in the release.

Saratoga PLAN aims to design Friendship Trails that will provide enjoyment through an inclusive spectrum of outdoor activities: walking, running, wheelchairing, dog-walking, mountain-biking, horseback-riding, bird-watching, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and learning about nature and local history. Saratoga PLAN will announce new trail segments as they open to the public over the next several years, beginning in late 2020 if public health restrictions are lifted.

Anthony J. (Tony) Izzo, one of three donor-advisors to the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund, explained the grant in the press release.

“Sarah Blackwell Foulke, a Skidmore graduate and an attorney who practiced in Saratoga County, was a kind, giving, compassionate and courageous woman with an outgoing personality, strong spirit, and a great heart and soul. She sought respite and restoration in the woods, enjoying the company of her friends and four-legged companions. The Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails project embodies Sarah’s enduring love of Saratoga Springs, nature, dogs, horses, and the power of friendship. We are confident that this gift to the community will bring pleasure to many and benefit all forever. We hope that our donation will inspire others to donate their time and money to Saratoga PLAN projects for the benefit of present and future generations of Saratoga County residents and visitors,” Izzo said.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an effort to unite the Saratoga community in a spirit of good will, Network Saratoga LLC presents One For All, a Facebook Live Event. One for All will air on Facebook and You Tube channels on Thursday, May 14, starting at 6 p.m., and will be hosted by Star Radio Talent, Walt Adams.

One for All presents a warm blend of local talents singing their hearts out in support of local non-profit organizations. The evening will showcase the talents of popular solo artists who are part of the local Saratoga music scene including Rick Bolton, Jeff Brisbin, Justin Joyner, Matt McCabe, Garland Nelson, Rich Ortiz, Tim Wechgelaer and Jay Yager. Each musician, who will be performing from their home, will be paired with a Saratoga Non-profit Organization whose mission will be highlighted after the artist’s performance. One for All was created as an effort to help our local non-profits through this difficult period of time when they are called upon to meet the increased needs of our community.

“While complying with stay at home orders, I felt challenged to contribute something positive to our current situation and help in some way,” said Fran Dingeman, owner of Network Saratoga LLC.  “Inspired by the Elton John and Lady Gaga specials, I wanted to create a collaborative event that was similar but focused on our local scene. That was the genesis of One for All.”

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After coming up with the concept for One for All, the other elements fell into place when Fran reached out to Peter Jones of Coverbandtv.com and SAVI (Specialized Audio Visual Incorporated) to add the technical component to the live stream event. “Peter brought all the technical experience needed to bring One For All from the conceptual phase to reality. He immediately showed a passion for what I was developing and shared the local vision as well,” said Fran Dingman.

“We are always eager to help out our local communities through music.  Until we can gather collectively in our favorite venues, we hope that we can support our community with quality video, audio, and most of all our musicians,” said Peter Jones of Coverbandtv.com

Marci Fila of REDD (Real Estate Digital Designs) contributed the One For All logo and graphics. The Adirondack Trust Company, Star Radio and Social Radiant are proud supporters of the event.

Non-profit organizations whose work will be showcased throughout the evening include AIM Services Inc., Franklin Community Center, Saratoga Center for the Family, Shelters of Saratoga, The Prevention Council, The Saratoga Senior Center, Wellspring and The Wesley Community. The opportunity to make a donation to each of these organizations will be made available throughout the show. After the live event, One For All will be archived on both Facebook and You Tube channels for viewing and the opportunity for ongoing donations will continue to be possible after the event. For more information, go to Facebook.com/saratogaoneforall.

Network Saratoga LLC, founded by Francine Dingeman in 2015, is an event development, marketing and promotions company focused on non-profit fundraisers and events for communities, municipalities and small businesses. Network Saratoga LLC guides business owners through the social map and gets them involved in what best fits their goals and demographics. In addition to events, Network Saratoga LLC specializes in traditional advertising, communication and marketing efforts focused on optimal results for individual businesses. For more information, contact fran@networksaratoga.com.

Coverbandtv.com was inspired by Grammy Award Winner Kevin Brandow, lead vocalist for the Refrigerators. Their mission is to support and ‘Cover Bands Live’ across multiple online platforms, including facebook.com, youtube.com, and twitch.tv. Recently, CoverBandTV sponsored an online music festival called ALBFest518. For more information go to coverbandtv.com.