Saratoga is considered a hub for many great finds… Its natural springs, lustrous green landscapes and a vast lake. But for Timothy Winston Rapp – his find – was a loving family that he never knew existed. 

After the loss of the man he thought of as his father, Rapp learned that he was given up for adoption after his birth, at the Vanderheyden Hall in Troy, New York. After sifting through documents and overlooking his birth certificate that read Winston Hale, Rapp began a search to learn one simple thing – the name of his birth mother. 

“I don’t remember when I was first told I was adopted; I really don’t remember. I know I was young. In 1996 my adoptive father died, and my mother gave me my adoption papers. So, in 1996 I found out my name was Winston Hale when I was born, but with the New York laws, that’s all you know,” said Rapp.

Alice May Murphy, born Alice May Hale, kept a secret her entire life, that not a single member of her family knew of; a child she had in 1944. 

Hale married Joseph Murphy in 1952 and together they raised three children. It was a Christmas present from Bill Murphy – the youngest child of Alice and Joseph – to his daughter Katie that led to a bigger surprise to the entire family. 

It was Christmas 2018, when Katie Murphy utilized her present – an Ancestry DNA test – a database that uses genetic science to connect familial relationships, Little did she know that in that database was a match to a family member that was unbeknownst to the Murphy clan.

“The Hales were like that. They kept their secrets,” explained Bill Murphy. 

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After decades of research and a DNA test, Rapp was superficially introduced to cousins upon cousins with relations to both his biological parents, but still could not be directly connected to his birth mother. That was until Katie finally got the results of her DNA test in March 2019. The pieces to a puzzle the Murphys didn’t know were missing – began to appear. 

“I bought into it right away,” said Katie Murphy. “My dad was like ‘no, no way.’ And I’m like “dad, this is real, we just discovered a scandal! This is a scandal!” 

Bill Murphy began the word of mouth search, beginning with his cousin John Ruston, who had the reputation of being the “know it all” about the family history. After a few speculations that were confirmed with Rapp’s birth certificate, and new connections made on the Ancestry DNA family tree, it was all becoming clear that Rapp was indeed the eldest child of Alice May Hale. 

“All the hairs are starting to stand up on my back because now I’m starting to say, whoa this is it all! All the while I thought for some reason this was gonna be some kind of mistake,” said Bill Murphy.  Then all of a sudden I think ‘Oh my God! This is really true!”

With the convenience of technology and social media it didn’t take long for the Rapps and the Murphys to begin communicating with each other on a regular basis. 

On Saturday, July 13, the Rapps, Murphys and Hales gathered for the first time since the discovery, at the Murphy residence in Gansevoort. Through the tears and hugs there were smiles as those who were once strangers celebrated becoming a complete family. 

“I am 75, and I found my family,” said Rapp. I can’t believe it.”

MALTA – The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, a Saratoga County-based economic development organization, today announced the resignation of Marty Vanags as President, effective January 8, in order to pursue new opportunities. The Saratoga Partnership also announced the appointment of Vice President Shelby Schneider as Interim President, where she will utilize nearly two decades of economic development experience in Saratoga County to ensure the agency’s mission moves forward uninterrupted.

Vanags thanked the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, the Saratoga Partnership Board of Directors, and Saratoga Partnership staff for their support during his tenure. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to have made a positive contribution toward the economic growth and vitality of Saratoga County and its wonderful communities,” Vanags said. “I am confident the Saratoga Partnership board and staff will continue the momentum that has made the county one of the fastest-growing in the state.”

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During his tenure, Vanags worked on a number of economic development projects, including the siting of Key Capture Energy, New York state’s largest battery energy storage facility, on the Luther Forest Technology Campus; the transformation of the Proctors-Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs into world class art and cultural venue in downtown Saratoga Springs; the establishment of Land Remediation Inc.’s new $1.8 million corporate headquarters in Waterford; and the $60 million project that will transform a historic but long-vacant industrial building in the Village of Victory into 186 workforce housing units.

“We thank Marty for his service as the founding President of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, applaud his efforts to lay the foundation for future growth in Saratoga County, and wish him much success in his future endeavors,” said Kevin Hedley, Chairman of the Saratoga Partnership Board of Directors. “We are heartened to know the organization is in good hands with Shelby, who is well respected among community and business leaders in Saratoga County, and will provide the organization with strong leadership moving forward.”

“I appreciate the support and confidence of the Saratoga Partnership board in taking on this role, and look forward to working closely with leaders in the public and private sectors to promote a unified, long-term growth strategy for economic development in Saratoga County,” said Shelby Schneider, Interim President of the Saratoga Partnership. “I am excited to advance a host of ongoing initiatives, including the retention and expansion of Saratoga County businesses; preparing our workforce; and the Next Wave Communities planning now underway in Moreau, Galway, Malta and Ballston Spa. I also look forward to exploring new opportunities to ensure Saratoga County remains a great place to live and work.”

This is the true story of a little piece of American history.

It is the story of a private, but exclusive, members-only club that was inspired by wealthy men and their love of horse racing. It is a true story about a club that is one of the least talked about, yet one of the most prestigious clubs in the world.  So prestigious, not just anyone could walk through these gates.  It’s a private dwelling that hosts some of the wealthiest people in the country, let alone the entire world.

Last, but not least, it is a true story about a small group of black men and women thriving and surviving in a rich white man’s world.It’s a behind-the- scenes story of the workers who were the heart and soul of establishing the Saratoga Reading Room as one of the most historic and best kept secrets in Saratoga Race Course history.

Let the story continue…

CHAPTER 5: CHANGING TIMES

During the early 80s, staff was continuing to transition. After the success my cousin Sonny and I displayed at being a servers, the staff continued to become younger.More of the old guard didn’t return and again they were replaced by our friends.
They were young local people who lived right here in Saratoga Springs.

Times were again changing at the Reading Room.  Over the years, with Mack, Bill, and Hick not returning, for the first time, we decided to give some of our female friends a chance to become servers at the Reading Room. 

Sandy Williams and Gina Webb, two very beautiful young black women, joined our wait staff.  Again, we were all friends. Sandy had a brother named Chip, who was a great athlete and a really good friend of ours. Sandy was like the sister I never had.  I looked out for her a lot.  I remember covering for her on days she may have been out dancing the night away and couldn’t wake up on time.  Gina was very tall.  She stood about 5’10” and was really good friends with my cousin Carol, and I had known her a long time. They both fit in perfectly. Well, almost perfectly. For some reason, Frankie Johnson, I noticed, gave Gina a hard time. I think she had to get used to the idea of young women being a part of the wait staff for the first time. The men seemed to enjoy them.  I’m not so sure about the women or the wives. Some of the younger male members would constantly vie for their attention. The ladies were asked on occasion to go out and maybe have a drink, or even to go out for dinner.There were three more additions to the wait staff that I have to mention, especially because they were mainstays during this time period at the Reading Room. 

First there was my younger brother James, or J. White, as he was known to all his friends.  James was a tall, 6’4,” very talented and athletic young man.  He was known in town for his basketball exploits and everyone marveled at his windmill slam dunks.He would take care of members seated in the backyard.James loved horse racing.  He particularly loved famous jockey Angel Cordero.  He loved the history of the Reading Room and loved the members he would serve.  He was so knowledgeable about the Reading Room.  He remembered who the members were, where they lived, and how they made their money.  He had built a lot of relationships with some of the members.A really nice lady named Mrs. Poutiatine, who was a Russian Princess, and her son Michael used to adore James.He was their guy when they were at the Reading Room. There was talk of James going to Charleston, SC, to continue working for her. He also had a very close relationship with Stanley Petter of Lexington, Kentucky, as well.They communicated for years after he left the Reading Room until his passing.James became good friends with his son Stanley Jr. too. Mr. Petter had encouraged both James and me for years to write down some of our Reading Room experiences and some of the relationships we had developed with some of the members over the years.  James passed away on March 3, 2016, just days before his 60th birthday.James put up a great fight for four years before, but the Lord didn’t want him to fight any longer and brought him on Home.I wish James was here to be part of this.I feel as if it’s his spirit that is inspiring me.  It’s in his memory that I write this story!!He is so dearly missed, but he will
always be in my heart.

The second person I need to mention was a young man named Nate Lewis. Nate was a smaller man in stature, but what he lacked in size he made up for in speed.Nate was an excellent basketball player, who we used to call “Nate the Skate” after the great NBA player, Nate Archibald.  He was just so fast with the ball.He was like a blur. He would join us on the porch as a server.  Nate was very personable, and it didn’t take long for him to be a hit with the members. To this day, some of us reminisce of Nate spilling that Bloody Mary on a member’s white suit.Maybe not at the time it happened, but later, we had a lot of laughs about it. Nowadays, Nate lives in Atlanta with his wife Andrea.He was like a little brother to us.I can still hear that crazy laugh he had.  He used to call me S White and James, J White. 

During the 80s, things were continuing to change. The Reading Room not only had female servers for the first time, but we also brought in a white person for the first time to be a server. She was a redhead named Jo Ann Walczak,  whose family and ours were extremely close. That was the first time the tradition of having an all-black staff was altered.  She worked the tables inside the Reading Room.  Jo Ann fit right in and did a really good job.  I believe she worked for a period of two years. 

So now there were Sandy, Nate, Gina, and me on the front porch.Sonny and JoAnn were on the inside and J White, Fred, and Tom worked in the yard.We all helped each other out.We would go where we were needed.That made up the serving staff at the Reading Room.The staff in the kitchen included Helen from the old guard, Lou, who had come on board taking Lucille’s place, and Buster.Let me talk a little about Buster.  As I had mentioned, we were a very athletic group.Buster was 6’ 2” and was also known for his basketball abilities.Boy, could he shoot.  Buster and Sonny graduated the same year and the combination of them together on the court was one of the best around.  Buster went on to play at Fulton Montgomery Community College.  One year, they were the nation’s top Juco defensive team in the country. Buster would move from being a dishwasher to becoming the primary food prep in the kitchen. He lasted well in the 2000s at that same position. He actually was the last of our group of black folks who worked at the Reading Room. That means a lot to him even to this day!! Buster now works as an employee for Global Foundries, a processor chip plant for IBM in Malta, NY.

We also brought on a tiny young man from Ecuador by the name of Helanio Hernandez, who reminded us of the character from the hit show Fantasy Island named Tattoo. He looked just like him – so that is what we called him. He was a great addition as well.He was a good worker and we became and still are, great friends. I thought he was black when we first met. Tattoo lives in NYC with his wife, Annaly.  We also brought in a kid named Mike Settles to help in the kitchen. Mike did it all and he fit right in with the rest of us. On May 24, 2015, Mike unexpectedly and sadly passed away at the age of 47 years old.We went through a couple of dishwashers during the 80s.

My man Dave Long, who was also like a brother to me, remained for a bunch of years. Dave was 6’5” with extremely bowed legs.  He was one of the best basketball players in Saratoga.  For a big man, he could really shoot.  Between him and his older brother Jimmy, they were a force on the basketball court. Mr. Petter used to call him “Skywalker.” Originally from New Rochelle, NY, our families became really close. He was a hard worker. We had my uncle Charles Dorsey, who also was part of our crew we hung out with. Charles, who we used to call NC, which was short for “Nigga Charlie” was best known for once putting Tide in the dishwasher instead of Cascade.  What a nightmare!  He had suds pouring out the bottom of the dishwasher. He never was able to live that down. Charlie was from downstate, Kingston, NY.  He stayed a couple of years and was replaced by another of our close friends by the name of Andy Sephas, or Squid, as we used to call him.  Don’t ask me where he got that nickname. Andy was also like a little brother to James and me.  We lived right next door to each other for many years.  Andy is currently happily married to his lovely wife Heather and has two beautiful children. We hired another young local black kid by the name of Russell Duffney as a food prep. We called him Duck. He fit right in with the crew and was a pleasant addition.

We were definitely not an “all work and no play” group. While the older staff was recovering from a long day at work, us youngsters were just getting started. After our shift was over, it was now time to party and party was what we did. There is nothing like Saratoga in the summer.  It was indeed the August Place To Be and we took full advantage of it.  We enjoyed being around each other, we did everything together. We were inseparable. We would go on our breaks together, party hard together, and I mean party hard.  It was nothing for us to get out of work, go hang out at our spot, the Golden Grill until 4-4:30am and be right back to work at 5am in the morning. We were all young and energetic.  That was our routine all summer.  One thing for sure, no matter how much we partied, we knew the importance of making sure we were on top of our games for work.  We had a lot of pride when it came to our jobs at the Reading Room.  We used to cover for each other.  When one person had a rough night, somebody would pick up the slack and cover for them.  We were like a family.  We felt that it was such a privilege to work at such an elite place. A lot of people were very envious of us. It was such a great paying job.  Sure, we would work our asses off, but it was so worth it.  We all had built relationships with some of the high-profile people who were members of the Reading Room, and that helped make it very profitable for all of us. 

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I remember going down to the Breeder’s Cup in NYC in the late 80s.There was a busload of bartenders and waiters that were sent down by the Union. There was a huge cocktail party and I was supposed to take drink orders, as well as pick up hors d’oeuvres plates left on the tables. It was so crazy, that because of my affiliation with the Reading Room, all I did while there, was shake hands and converse with all my Reading Room people.I served one drink and mingled with people the entire cocktail party.  I constantly was being asked, “Stewart, what are you doing down here?” I knew so many people there.  It was because of my job as a server at the Reading Room.It was pretty cool that so many important people connected with me. 

During the early 80s a new position materialized.  They added a live-in valet.  He stayed upstairs and was there for whatever a person who stayed upstairs needed.  Larry Pender was a light skinned, smooth talking young man who had just returned from the military.  Larry used to do a multitude of things.  He would chauffeur members around in their cars, pick up dry cleaning, and run to the airport to pick up and drop off members. He was good at what he did. Larry was another one of the group, that was born and bred in Saratoga. He was a close friend who fit right in with the rest of us. 

Being that he was always there for the members, Larry developed an even closer relationship with a few members he cared for on a regular basis.  In the summer of 1985, Larry even had his wedding ceremony done inside the Reading Room.Judge Labelle, our local City Court Judge, who was also a Reading Room member, officiated the ceremony.I don’t know if they have since had weddings there, but I would bet that Larry was the first and only black person ever to have his wedding at the Reading Room. To tell you the truth, we couldn’t believe it was happening. I am sure some of the Reading Room forefathers were rolling in their graves!!  Larry currently is an addiction therapist and motivational speaker and consultant.  He lives in Westchester County.

I had the privilege to also bring my mother, Mary White, aboard as a person who helped prepare and prep food in the kitchen.  My mother was a hard-working mom of three boys and having the opportunity to get her a position in the Reading Room was great. Everyone was paid handsomely, and it was nice to give her a chance to make some of it.  Her fondest memory was having a chance to meet Frank Perdue, owner of Perdue Chicken.  She always used his chicken and was thrilled at the opportunity to meet him.  Of all the prestigious people who came there, it was Mr. Perdue who got her most excited. Unfortunately, Ma White passed away in August of 2018 at the age of 88 years old. I try to keep her memory alive every chance I can. I miss her dearly.

We were also able to hire a couple of young athletic black teenage boys to be our busboys.
Scott Walczak, who was a high school senior and had a great high school football career at Saratoga High School, and Tim Parker, who went on to become Saratoga’s all-time leading scorer in basketball, surpassing Sonny, would at different times be added to our staff.  When Scott left to pursue a career in electronics, Timmy took his place. Timmy would receive a full scholarship to take his basketball talents to Providence College. They both did great jobs and we noticed they took pride in their work. They enjoyed being part of the team and they loved the money they
were making. 

In the 80s, Sonny took a job at GE (General Electric), so his spot opened up. I started working in the school system at the Vo Tech Center.  I became the middleman between students and administration.I handled daily discipline, attendance, and many other student affairs. The great thing for me was I continued to have my summers free and could continue at the Reading Room. Sonny wasn’t as fortunate. He had a full-time job and even though he made appearances to help when needed, an opportunity was given to another close friend of ours by the name of Alvin Watson, or better known to us as Mutt.

Mutt didn’t have a lot of experience as a server. The fact was that he was our friend and we wanted to give him a chance. Mutt picked things up quickly and soon was a very valuable part of our hard-working team. Mutt brought the fun level even higher.He was amazed at the clientele who walked through the gates.

When we first started in the 70s, the servers made their own drinks for the members.  During the 80s, an older gentleman named Al Beard started helping at the bar, making drinks for the servers.  Al was a character.  He used to love to laugh and joke.We loved Al.  Eventually he would take over as our supervisor at the Reading Room. He would make sure the members were well taken care of and as always, did everything he could to make sure they were happy. One thing about Al was that he would really take care of his staff.  He was known for putting aside cases of beer for us.  He would say, “Those two cases of that beer right there, that’s for you and the fellas.”

So there it is, the Black Folk, that throughout the years, made up the working staff at the Reading Room. The cast of characters that made up this unique bunch were a combination of the old and the new.  One thing we all had in common was the realization that we were carrying on decades of tradition of the black worker at the Saratoga Reading Room.  We were very mindful of that.  We were hard workers who loved our jobs, loved working and hanging together, while providing elite service at this prestigious club. We would need all that togetherness, because just when we started getting comfortable as a team, here it comes: Sales Week!!

Click Here for 2020 New Year’s Resolutions

Top photo: Post-demolition photo by Thomas Dimopoulos on Dec. 30, 2019. 
Bottom photo: Spa City Diner – as it was.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Spa City Diner, which closed in 2012 and has stood vacant on South Broadway since that time, was demolished last week. 

In late 2018, a proposed mixed-use project for development was to include 101 multi-family dwelling units – 68 of those units targeting a family of four having a household income of $51,840 or less – as well as another 14 units specifically designated for veterans. Those initial plans appear to have changed, however, according to an article published in the Daily Gazette last week, with the group of partners who have an agreement to buy the property instead focusing on more market-rate rentals.

The horse sculpture which had stood atop the diner was removed for safekeeping by the family who had owned the diner.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The highly anticipated grand opening of Universal Preservation Hall is set for Saturday, Feb. 29. 

Following a multi-million-dollar renovation to transform the 19th century hall into a flourishing 700-plus seat performance space, UPH also looks to fill a half-century-long need in Saratoga Springs.  The city’s downtown district has lacked a year-round, mid-sized venue since the 5,000-seat Convention Hall on Broadway was destroyed by fire in 1966.

UPH was built in 1871 and served as a Methodist church and a gathering place. Teddy Roosevelt, Frederick Douglass and William Howard Taft to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg have each taken a turn atop the main stage during the building’s 146-year history.

A century after its construction, the Victorian Gothic structure on Washington Street began to fall into disrepair and the church sat empty for several years. In 2000, the city condemned the building and members of the community rallied to save the structure from demolition. In 2015, UPH got an added boost when it became an affiliate of Proctors.

Proctors CEO Phillip Morris says he envisions UPH as a welcoming place to gather, and as a cultural heart of the city. After the Saratoga Springs venue reopens with its 45-foot-tall ceilings, bell tower and walnut and ash staircases that feed into the main hall, it is anticipated it will stage 200 or so annual events.

Opening Night features an appearance by singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash, the eldest daughter of country legend Johnny Cash. 

Tickets are available by phone at 518-346-6204, online at universalpreservationhall.org and in person at the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady.

Tickets to the following shows are now on sale:

Rosanne Cash
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29. The Great Hall at UPH, $65 – $150.

Sounds of the Hall
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4. The Great Hall at UPH, $20.

An Evening with Chris Botti
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6. The Great Hall at UPH, $79.50 – $179.50.

The Marvelous Marquise Family Circus
2 p.m. Sunday, March 8. The Great Hall at UPH, $10.

Megan Hilty
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13. The Great Hall at UPH, $32.50 – $109.50.

Howard Jones Acoustic Trio
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The Great Hall at UPH, $29.50 – $69.50.

Irish Hooley with the Screaming Orphans
7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15. The Great Hall at UPH, $25.

Rochmon Record Club: Paul Simon’s Graceland
7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. The Great Hall at UPH, $10.

One Night in Memphis
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 20. The Great Hall at UPH, $30 – $65.

Journeyman
7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21. The Great Hall at UPH, $19.50 – $39.50.

Joey Alexander
7:30 p.m. Friday, March 27. The Great Hall at UPH, $39.50 – $89.50.

PB&J Café: The Stinky Cheese Man
11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Saturday. April 4, The Great Hall at UPH, $15.

THE HIT MEN…Legendary Rock Supergroup & Musicians Hall of Fame
7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9. The Great Hall at UPH, $30 – $65.

Bakithi Kumalo & The Graceland Experience
7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23. The Great Hall at UPH, $19.50 – $39.50.

The Okee Dokee Brothers
6 p.m. Friday, April 24. The Great Hall at UPH, $15 for students with ID, $25 for adults.

The Steep Canyon Rangers
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. The Great Hall at UPH, $20 – $79.50.

Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The Great Hall at UPH, $25.50 – $59.50.

Yogapalooza with Bari Koral Quartet
2 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Great Hall at UPH, $10 students with ID, $20 Adults

Bee Gees Gold
7:30 p.m. Friday, May 22. The Great Hall at UPH, $20 – $55.50.

Take the class this winter to be ready for the boating season. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Recently passed “Brianna’s Law” requires all operators of motorized vessels to have a Boating Safety Certificate. 

Brianna’s Law is a comprehensive boater education law that requires all power boaters, including those operating sailing vessels with auxiliary power, to complete a boating safety course. It was signed into law by Governor Cuomo on August 6, 2019 and went into effect January 1, 2020.

Brianna’s Law expands the requirements in previous NYS law for boating safety certificates to eventually include ALL operators of motorized vessels.  Under the previous law, owners of new boats had a 120-day grace period from the date of purchase to obtain a safe boating certificate.  This accommodation has been eliminated under Brianna’s Law.  Additionally, the law previously allowed for non-certified persons to operate a boat if someone with a certificate was in the boat.  This no longer applies, so everyone operating the vessel must have a certificate.

Brianna’s Law compliance timeline is staggered.  Those born on or after January 1, 1993 will need a Boating Safety Certificate when operating a motorized vessel in 2020.  For those born on or after January 1, 1988, the deadline is 2022.  Those born after January 1, 1983 need a Certificate by 2023 and those born on or after January 1, 1978 by 2024.  However, all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, will need a Boating Safety Certificate by January 1, 2025.

Bob Rivers is a National Boating Safety Council and NYS Marine Services Bureau Certified Instructor. Mr. Rivers will be offering the required 8-hour NYS training and exam leading to issuance of a NYS Boating Certificate. 

There are several opportunities to take the class this winter to be ready for the boating season.  This one-day class is being offered on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, and Saturday, March 7, 2020.  All classes are to be held at the Embassy Suites conveniently located in Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs and run from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Classes are open to anyone ten years or older interested in becoming a safer boater by learning basic safety, boat operation, “rules of the road” and boat trailering.

Class cost is $50 per person.  For more information about the class contact Bob Rivers at SafeBoater@yahoo.com or 518-330-1630.  For more information about Brianna’s Law visit the website Parks.NY.Gov.

NEW YORK ­— Senator Daphne Jordan (R,C,I,Ref-Halfmoon) introduced two pieces of legislation to protect the individuals working at State and County DMV offices and duly elected County Clerks who serve taxpayers. Senate bill S.6907 would indemnify DMV employees and County Clerks from lawsuits arising from criminal acts related to the use of non-federally compliant driver’s licenses expected under NY’s new Green Light Law.

Senator Jordan’s second piece of legislation would amend the Green Light Law, creating a “Driver Privilege License” for those who cannot prove their lawful status in the United States. This legislation addresses concerns by law enforcement and County Clerks regarding identity fraud stemming from the lax regulations and qualifications for a NYS Standard Driver License, allowing for holders to earn the privilege to drive while restoring security standards in the issuance of Standard Driver Licenses, which are also used as identification by 70-percent of New York drivers.

 Section 1 of Senator Jordan’s new bill amends Section 502 of the State’s Vehicle and Traffic Law and provides that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, County Clerks, and their employees shall be held harmless for any claims, liabilities, damages, or fines arising from any criminal act involving non-federal standard drivers licenses created by New York’s Green Light Law. This includes, but is not limited to ID theft, forgery, money laundering, and terrorism. Chapter 37 of the Laws of 2019 (aka the Green Light Law) that provided for the creation of a system of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, has created unprecedented challenges for DMV employees and County Clerks. Central among these issues is the fundamental undermining of the reliability of the identification, as the State can no longer guarantee an individual is who their identification says they are. The Green Light Law allows for foreign forms of identification to be used as proof of identity, and foreign forms of identification can be easily forged. The United States, as of 2017, recognizes 193 foreign countries, and, to date, the State has provided inadequate resources for DMV staff to determine the authenticity of foreign documents.

Senator Jordan’s new bill ensures that DMV employees, the DMV Commissioner, and County Clerks acting in good faith are indemnified and held harmless in lawsuits arising from criminal acts relating to the use of non-federally compliant drivers’ licenses provided for under New York’s Green Light Law. Senator Jordan’s new legislation does not carry any fiscal implications to the state.

 “I have introduced legislation aimed at protecting DMV employees from the lawsuits expected to be filed in response to the drivers’ licenses being used in the commission of criminal acts because the men and women working at DMV’s should be held harmless from Albany’s lack of regard for public safety,” stated the senator. “I also introduced a bill to mitigate the expected explosion of ID fraud by establishing a new ‘Driving Privilege License’ and stipulating that individuals must provide their Social Security Number when registering to vote to establish their identity as American citizens. My bills are common-sense steps to try and address the many shortfalls of the Green Light Law that will make our state and our streets less safe and throw open the doors to identity fraud and voter fraud.”

Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner said, “A New York State driver license is not just a license to drive; it is the primary identification document used by most New Yorkers.

The identification standards have been so widely loosened that it makes the Standard Driver License unreliable as an ID for the millions of New Yorkers who hold one and the thousands of businesses that rely on it as a source of identification in their daily business transactions. I am thankful to Senator Jordan for her understanding of the dangerous implications that could come from nefarious individuals taking advantage of our honest DMV employees and the inadequate regulations and for this much-needed legislation.”

Saratoga County Sherriff Michael Zurlo said, “With nearly 90-percent of the driving public using their driver license as their primary identification, New York’s watered-down qualifications for the Standard license invites the criminal element to exploit the system. Further, with no means to track the source documents used to get a Standard license, our deputies’ hands are tied when it comes to ensuring people are who they say they are and investigating related crimes. I commend Senator Jordan for keeping this important issue in the public eye.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A recent study by Saratoga Unites and Saratoga Sustainable highlighted the use of Styrofoam containers at local restaurants.

Polystyrene foam, commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam, is not biodegradable, cannot be recycled, is a major source of pollution and fills landfills causing direct expense to tax payers. Polystyrene has no place in food service ware in the City of Saratoga Springs — a belief shared by a significant majority of eateries surveyed by Saratoga Unites in cooperation with Sustainable Saratoga.

In this study of 77 restaurants in Saratoga Springs, 16 still use Styrofoam containers for carryout food. However, five of these establishments are planning to switch to plastic or more environmentally friendly materials including cardboard, paper or compostable products. The survey covered both high end and fast service restaurants. 

Given the negatives, the modest cost advantage that may result from the use of polystyrene in food containers is greatly outweighed by the environmental and health costs. This realization lies behind the decision of a majority of restaurants in Saratoga Springs to not use polystyrene. Many of those who have switched from polystyrene cited customer and owner environmental concerns as their reason for switching.

In light of these findings, Saratoga Unites and Sustainable Saratoga are planning a program of incentives to encourage voluntary elimination of polystyrene from Saratoga eateries. 

SARATOGA COUNTY —January is National Mentoring Month. The Saratoga Mentoring Program would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the current mentors who generously give of their time, friendship and wisdom.

The Saratoga Mentoring Program has been matching caring adults with children in Saratoga County for 27 years. Mentors can make a profound difference in the life of a child. Studies show that young people with mentors have more positive outcomes in school and in the workplace. This in turn strengthens our community, our economy and our country. 

Mentors are screened and trained before working with a child. Mentors meet with their mentees once a week for about two hours.  In order to develop trust and consistency, a one-year commitment is required. 

For more information visit www.saratogamentoring.org or call 518-581-1487. Saratoga Mentoring is a program of Catholic Charities.