SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Nov. 5, NY State Police arrested 36-year-old Samantha Guerra, of Saratoga Springs, in connection with two counts of misconduct in relation to petitions. 

Guerra was charged following an investigation into the validity of signatures present on two independent nominating petitions presented to the Saratoga County Board of Elections, according to a statement released by state Police. 

Guerra is accused of signing two of the petitions attesting to having witnessed each individual signature. Police said an investigation determined that a number of the signatures on the petitions had not been witnessed by Guerra.

Guerra (R,C,WF), came up short against Dillon Moran (D, RS) in the Nov. 2 election for Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts, by a 44.85% to 42.63% margin, according to the Saratoga County Board of Elections unofficial tally, in advance of the count of absentee ballots.   

Guerra turned herself in, was processed and issued an appearance ticket for Saratoga City Court on Nov. 11, according to police.

BALLSTON SPA — Registration is open for U.S. Veterans seeking to get their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. 

The Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is partnering with Saratoga County EMS Council to host a free EMT certification and professional development course for U.S. Military Veterans. 

The course will be held at the Saratoga County Public Safety Building in Ballston Spa and will be taught by Saratoga County EMS instructors, most of whom are veterans themselves.

The curriculum follows the New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS certification program. Classes start Dec. 14 and meet two nights a week for six months. To participate in the program, applicants must have served in the military and must submit a DD-214. 

For more course information, contact: Russell Coonradt at emtveteran@gmail.com. To register, visit www.saratogaems.org/register.

BALLSTON SPA — The Draft Village of Ballston Spa Bicycle and Pedestrian Master has been released and will be presented at a virtual Public Meeting on Zoom on Nov. 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

The purpose of the Plan is to enhance the Village Central Business District, surrounding area, and the NY Route 50 corridor by promoting economic development, improving safety, and creating a connected and integrated multi-modal transportation network for users of all ages and abilities. The Village of Ballston Spa is home to a diverse population including low-income individuals and other vulnerable populations such as seniors, homeless veterans, and disabled adults, many of whom don’t drive. The Plan identifies missing links in the pedestrian network, potentially unsafe crossings, and priority connections between key Village locations, including the Zim Smith Trail. 

The Draft Plan reviews existing conditions and evaluates pedestrian and bicycle existing comfort levels and describes the public involvement process. To date, the planning process has included a 1-block pop-up demonstration bicycle lane and on-street parking project on Hyde Boulevard between Chapman Street and Grove Street, a survey, four Focus Group meetings, and a Public Open House conducted on June 30. In addition to feedback during the Open House, a Demonstration Project, and survey, there were 158 comments received through the project website through September 2021. The comments were primarily focused on the desire for sidewalk improvements and noted missing sidewalk connections in the Village, encouraged connections to the Zim Smith Trail, the need for traffic calming, and improved bus shelters. 

The Draft Plan recommends solutions for pedestrian and bicycle treatments and intersections with safety concerns and describes potential projects and funding opportunities. Recommendations provide direction on priority locations and design treatments (striping, signage, repaving, and reconstruction projects). The Draft Plan also recommends creating an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan to address pedestrian connectivity concerns and will create a Village schedule for the installation of curb ramps, detectable warning surfaces, sidewalk installation or replacement, and accessible pedestrian push buttons, where needed. The Draft Plan will be used to seek funding for improvements from grants, state, and federal resources to implement the recommendations for design, engineering, and construction. 

Information about the project and a copy of the Draft Plan can be found at projects.vhb.com/ballstonspapbmp/default.htm. 

ALBANY — In lieu of its annual Veteran’s Day event, the To Honor and Serve Breakfast, the Capital Region Chamber’s Unified Military Affairs Council (UMAC) has recognized the significance of the region’s military installations and growing ranks of active-duty service members in the regional economy. 

The Chamber recognizes and supports our area military throughout the year through the UMAC. This council includes the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing; Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs; Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa; Watervliet Arsenal; U.S. Army – Albany Recruiting Company and Navy Reserve Center Schenectady. 

The Capital Region labor force consists of more than 2,400 active-duty service members – that is the third greatest number in upstate, according to the latest Census estimates. In fact, between 2015 and 2019, the region’s labor force saw an increase of 293 active-duty service members – the largest increase in upstate. Saratoga County saw upstate’s fifth largest increase in active-duty service members from 72 to 1,647. Saratoga County also has the state’s third greatest number of active-duty service members, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) analysis of U.S. Census Bureau five-year estimates. 

Leaders from the Chamber, UMAC, 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard and Navy Reserve Center Schenectady also highlighted how local military installations have served not only as assets to national security but also to the region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

For instance, the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York National Guard provided COVID testing and meal delivery services in the Capital Region. Stratton Air Base in Glenville also served as a vaccination site for Department of Defense personnel and contractors. The Watervliet Arsenal last December became one of DOD’s first vaccination sites for military personnel and defense contractors. In the 2021 federal fiscal year, there were about 300 firms with defense contracts in the Capital Region, according to a CEG analysis of USAspending.gov data. 

“We’re out there on the front lines to help mitigate the horrible thing that COVID is, and we’re all dealing with it. But as essential workers, we’re happy to step up and be able to do that successfully, because honestly, it gets everyone back into the businesses to be able to support what they do for our local economy,” said Col. Robert Donaldson, the 109th Airlift’s Vice Commander. 

“Defense is a major industry in the Capital Region’s economy – one larger than many realize,” said Chamber President and CEO Mark Eagan. “While the focus of Veteran’s Day is often on those who have served, it’s important that we also recognize those who are presently serving our country.” 

The Latest  Local and Regional Stats on COVID-19 and Vaccines

Click Here: Q&A with Saratoga Native, Kelsey Briddell – USA National Women’s Field Hockey Team

Super Source Media, a photography studio specializing in custom portraits and printing, has opened in their new Wilton Mall location (next to The Stadium at the Old Navy entrance). 

Stocked with a variety of backgrounds and sets, they are offering something special to the public.

“That’s what’s fun about the studio. I knew it accommodated the business perfectly, equipment-wise but here too, we can connect with people easily while also paying attention to the technical details and lighting that makes professional photography different than what you can capture with your cell phone,” said Super Source Media’s Founder and Creative Director Mark Bolles. 

Bolles has more than 30 years of experience, including shooting special events, sports, fashion, and editorial content for Saratoga TODAY since 2007. In addition to providing expert studio, on-site, and aerial photography, custom, large-format and fine art printing, Super Source Media, which first opened in 2018, strives to offer opportunities to up-and-coming professionals. 

“That’s what’s fun about the studio. It’s growing an understanding about how to communicate through the visual arts,” said Bolles.

Fiona Neary, a 2021 Fine Arts graduate of the University of Albany, is using her creative strengths here to hand-paint the original backdrops, in set design, social media, photography and editing. 

“It’s such a fun environment with everyone sharing their knowledge. It’s perfect. I feel very lucky,” said Neary.

A 30-minute photo session includes the background of your choice, two digital files, and an online viewing album. Longer sessions and additional online and print options are also available.

“In this space, there’s a lot more potential to grow, to focus on families, portraits, and to connect to the community. It’s exciting,” said photographer and studio assistant Lindsey Fish, a business and marketing major at Siena College. 

Mark Your Calendar: On Veteran’s Day, Thursday, November 11^th, Super Source Studio will be providing a FREE pop-up photo session and FREE 5” x 7” printed portrait to veterans and their families. For more information, find them on Facebook, Instagram and at https://www.supersourcemedia.com

BALSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association’s annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting takes place Friday, Dec. 3. The parade step-off time is 6:30 p.m., proceeding on Milton Avenue and ending in Wiswall Park on Front Street with Santa lighting the village Christmas tree. 

The parade is a hometown-style holiday tradition, with fire trucks, floats, animals, kids and Santa parading down the main street of the village. The parade will spotlight the Toys for Tots campaign, in partnership with the Ballston Spa Community Emergency Corps, Saratoga County Sheriff Department and U.S. Marine Corps. Volunteers from these organizations will be on hand to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys from spectators along the parade route as well as at the tree lighting. 

New this year: parade entries will be judged this year in the following categories: Best Emergency Vehicle Entry, Best Ballston Spa Community Members Entry, Best Walking Entry and The Brightest Light Award. The brighter and more festive, the better. 

Organizations, groups or businesses interested in taking part in the parade, go to www.ballston.org to register. For more information, contact the BSBPA office at 518-885-2772 or info@ballston.org.

GLENS FALLS — Holiday Festival of Lights takes place in Lake George Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy decorated storefronts on Canada Street and a huge light display in Shepard’s Park in Lake George. 

Live entertainment will take place Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, in Shepard’s Park from 12-4 p.m. including family-friendly live music, dance performances, entertainment and more. The events are free to attend.

Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess Show: Saturday, Dec. 4. Familiar songs and holiday tunes. There will be time for photos and autographs, crafts, singing and dancing. Showtimes are at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. Tickets: $15 per person.

Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess Dinner Theater and Meet & Greet: Saturday, Dec. 4. Performance, sing-along, and table-to-table exclusive meet-and-greet. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos and autographs and even a dance party. The ticket price includes an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage. The show starts promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tickets: $30 per person.

Ha-Ha-Holiday Comedy Show: Friday, Dec. 10. A hilarious line-up of comedians. For ages 18 and up, the comedy show takes place at the Marriott Hotel. Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Cost: $20.

Holiday Artisan Market: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19. Shop the holiday market at Fort William Henry Resort Carriage House, with more than 50 artisan vendors offering handmade items and beautiful and unique gifts. Sample delicious food, take a free picture with Santa, enjoy free arts and craft activities for kids provided by local nonprofits as well as live entertainment and more. There is a small fee to attend with proceeds benefiting local charitable organizations. 

Lake George’s popular Light up the Village Celebration is on Saturday, Nov. 27, in Shepard’s Park, starting at 3 p.m. with a live sing-along at 5 p.m. by Bobby Dick and Susie Q and lighting the village up at 6 p.m. This event serves as the kick-off for the Lake George Holiday Festival of Lights.

Tickets can be purchased and information can be found at www.eventstoat.net 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The NY 77th Regiment Monument will be re-installed onto its granite base in Congress Park on Nov. 16, Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced this week.

The statue was damaged in July 2020 in what is believed to be an act of vandalism and required extensive repairs. 

Repair costs, which were $58,218, were covered under the City’s insurance program, Scirocco said in a statement. Community donations totaling just over $14,200 were used for landscaping and security improvements. Scirocco did not specify what those security improvements consist of.