ALBANY — Dunkin’ celebrated National Coffee Day (Sept. 29) by donating 300 pounds of coffee and delivering more than $1,000 in gift cards to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. 

“We are excited to celebrate National Coffee Day by contributing to the tremendous efforts of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and supporting their dedicated staff and volunteers,” said Dunkin’ Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “The Food Bank is a vital community organization and we are proud to assist them by donating gift cards and Dunkin’s signature coffee.”

The coffee donation from Dunkin’ will be used to help the Regional Food Bank continue to support local member agencies and the hungry people they serve. Capital Region Dunkin’ franchisees also delivered $1,250 in gift cards to support the dedicated staff and volunteers who help keep the Food Bank running. 

“Dunkin’ is a valued partner in the fight against hunger through donations of product, funds, and volunteer support,” said Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York Chief Operating Officer Nick Pisani. “A warm cup of coffee is a morning staple, and we are proud to provide this donation to our member food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.” 

The Regional Food Bank works to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste by accepting large donations of food from the food industry and distributing those donations to charitable agencies that feed hungry people like food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month. 

To learn more about Dunkin’, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ blog to receive notifications at www.news.dunkindonuts.com/blog. 

With election day just around the corner, campaign season is in full swing, and candidates are busy working on their platforms.

On Tuesday, Oct. 12 and Thursday, Oct. 21, Saratoga TODAY will be hosting live debates at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The debates will feature candidates vying for all five Saratoga Springs City Council seats as well as the two chairs representing the city at the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. 

As of the Sept. 15 deadline both Republicans and Independents had responded that they would be in attendance. Discussions on Covid protocols delayed a commitment from the Democrats. However, on Tuesday September 28, all Democrats agreed to attend the debates. Attendance will be limited to invited guests only. Both debates be available in real-time on Facebook Live.

Readers can send in questions for possible inclusion to: cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

SARATOGA TODAY’S DEBATE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday, October 12

Public Works: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Accounts: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Supervisor: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 21

Finance: 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety: 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Mayor: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Election Day is Nov. 2. There are 17 candidates on the ballot running for five City Council seats, and six candidates seeking either of the two supervisor seats to represent Saratoga Springs at the County Board of Supervisors. 

Under the city’s Commission form of Governing, each of the five council officeholders carry equal weight when it comes to city matters – that is, each of the five votes counts as one. 

In the upcoming council election, four of the five seats will be filled with new members to that seat.  Only DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco is seeking re-election for the seat he currently holds. Current Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, and former Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim, are each seeking election as mayor. 

Two seats are up for vote as City Supervisor. Incumbents Tara Gaston and Matthew Veitch are seeking re-election. Four additional candidates are also vying for the two seats which are voted on individually.   

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Saratoga Springs list of candidates:

Mayor: Robin Dalton (SST); Ronald Kim (D, RS), Maxwell Rosenbaum (WF); Heidi Owen West (R,C).

Commissioner of Public Safety:  David Labate (WF); Tracey Labelle (R,C); James Montagnino (D, RS).

Commissioner of Public Works: Donald Reeder (WF); Anthony “Skip” Scirocco (R, C); Domenique Yermolayev (D, FN). 

Commissioner of Accounts: Samantha Guerra (R,C,WF); Dillon Moran (D, RS), Angela Rella (AC).

Commissioner of Finance: Sierra Hunt (WF); Adam Israel (SST); Joanne Kiernan (R,C); Minita Sanghvi (D, RS). 

Supervisor (two seats): Bruce Altimar (WF); Tara Gaston (D); Gabriel O’Brien (WF); John Safford (R,C); Matthew Veitch (R,C); Shaun Wiggins (RS). 

Parties: D (Democratic); R (Republican); C (Conservative); WF (Working Families); FN (Functional); SST (Saratoga Stronger Together); RS (Resilient Saratoga); AC (Accountability); 

Ballot Proposals:     

In addition to the five council seats and two supervisor seats, city voters may cast a Yes or No vote on five statewide ballot proposals. The five are: 

1. Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process; 

2. Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment; 

3. Eliminating Ten-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement; 

4. Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting; 

5. Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court. 

Ballot Proposal 1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

• Freeze the number of state senators at 63

• Amend the process for the counting of the state’s population

• Delete certain provisions that violate the United States Constitution, repeal and amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices. 

The purpose of the proposal is to amend and repeal portions of the state constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2014 that relate to the way district lines for congressional and state legislative offices are determined.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A first wave of vaccine mandates for health care workers landed in New York this week. Saratoga Hospital reported a higher percent of vaccinated employees than most other hospitals across the state, yet still stands to lose dozens of employees. 

“We have about 3,100 staff members across our institution. We had about 150 staff who did not want to get vaccinated, for various reasons, and about half of that number received medical or religious exemption,” said Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone. “We also have a number of employees who are on medical leave – nothing related to COVID or the vaccine. At the end of this process, it looks like we’re going to lose about 60 staff members who departed the organization due to the
vaccine mandate.” 

Some of those 60 employees have chosen to leave the organization, while others who have not met the vaccine requirement are being placed on unpaid leave for a 90-day period, after which their status will be re-evaluated. 

Statewide, there are just over 519,000 total staff in hospitals, and 347,217 direct care/patient-facing staff. Health care workers at hospitals and nursing homes were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with a first dose received by this past Monday, Sept. 27. 

As of this week, 92.3% of all staff and 93.3% of direct care staff have received at least one dose, with an average of 87% of hospital workers having completed the vaccine series, according to the state Department of Health. The latter numbers are up from 77% of hospital workers being fully vaccinated on Aug. 24, shortly after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the Sept. 27 mandate.

Of the 10 state-defined regions, the Capital Region shows the highest percentage of hospital workers fully vaccinated – at an average of 94% – with Saratoga and Albany county workers topping the list, each at 95%. Schenectady County hospital workers reported a 94% completion rate, and Warren County hospital workers at 92%. By comparison, several different hospitals across the state reported staff figures in the 70-79% range.     

A Shortage of Workers 

Facilities across the country have been warning about a shortage of health care workers.

“Health care by nature, in my opinion, really draws a wonderful group of people. Our staff have been doing amazing work and taking care of our community, but they’re getting tired,” Calbone said.

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“We’re in the midst of the worse staffing crisis I’ve experienced in my nearly 40-year career. I’ve never seen anything like it. We have staffing shortages across every category, and it is putting great pressure on the health care industry. You can talk to any hospital in the region, and they will tell you the same thing. At the same time, we’re seeing an unprecedented volume of patients. They’re doing great work, but I am worried about them, they’re getting tired,” Calbone said, adding that the hospital actively contacted past employees who might be interested in returning, asked volunteers to step back in, and re-allocated management staff with clinical skills back into clinical roles. “We’re trying just about anything that makes sense and can help out our staff. And we’re looking for anything the state can do to help out.” 

Addressing possible staffing shortages across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced a plan that includes potentially signing an executive order to declare a state of emergency that allows qualified health care professionals licensed in other states or countries, recent graduates, retired and formerly practicing health care professionals to practice in New York State. Another possible option is the deployment of medically trained National Guard members, as well as exploring ways to expedite visa requests for medical professionals.

Vaccine Mandates and Legal Challenges

A handful of lawsuits have been filed in N.Y. challenging the mandate. Some are based on First Amendment rights to practice religion, others seeking potential exemptions for things such as natural immunity, said Leslie Silva, partner at Tully Rinckey attorney law firm in Albany.

From the employer’s perspective, Silva said, “if there is no valid exemption, you haven’t been vaccinated and it is a requirement of your job – especially as a health care worker – your employer can fire you and that’s it. No compensation. As far as unpaid leave, you’re not collecting anything there either. What you’re getting is a promise that your job will be there.” Saratoga Hospital has chosen the latter route. 

In addition to the active mandate calling on healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, healthcare employees who work in adult care, home care, and hospice facilities have until Oct. 7 to receive their first shot.

Calbone said what has been most surprising since the start of the pandemic is an unwillingness by some people to accept the reality of COVID-19. 

“Accepting the seriousness of the reality of this disease, related to masking, and then as the vaccine has rolled out, the resistance to the vaccine. Quite honestly a year ago we all assumed when the vaccine was available people would celebrate and universally step forward to get the vaccine,” he said. “I’ve been disappointed and surprised, but it’s the reality we’re in and we’re working hard to take care of people as they need to be taken care of.” 

Click Here for the Top Saratoga REALTORS® for August 2021

Click Here for the Top Saratoga REALTORS® for August 2021

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Sunday, Sept. 19, The Saratoga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Saratoga Battlefield Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution had the 90th Annual Wreath Laying at the DAR Monument to Unknown American Dead at the Saratoga Historical National Park. 

From 1929-1931, the early part of the Great Depression, the DAR collected from the members $11,000 to install the monument at the Battlefield on Oct. 10, 1931. At the base of the monument is a tablet with this inscription: “The unknown soldiers who perished in the battles of Saratoga, Sept. 19 and Oct. 7, 1777, and were here buried in unmarked graves, helped to assure the triumph of the war of independence to create the republic of the United States of America, and to establish liberty throughout the world. In honor of those patriots and in recognition of the bicentennial of the birth of George Washington, this memorial is erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution of New York State.” 

Special guest was New York State Regent Patrice Birner to recognize this special anniversary. If you are interested in joining the DAR, please email saratogadaughters1143@gmail.com. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A free household hazardous waste collection day will take place 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced last week. 

The event is offered in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and only open to residents of Saratoga Springs. It will be held at the Weibel Avenue Ice Rink.

The event provides residents the opportunity to safely dispose of a variety of materials such as poisons, pesticides, solvents, oil-based paints, household batteries, aerosol cans, fluorescent light tubes, and more. A full list of acceptable and non-acceptable materials can be found on the city website. 

Residents must sign up by Oct. 1. Residents looking to participate can sign up on the City website at the following link: www.saratoga-springs.org/FormCenter/Public-Works-5/City-of-Saratoga-Springs-Household-Hazar-113. 

For more information or assistance registering, contact Kari at 518-587-3550 ext. 2623.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — New Life Fellowship Church invites community members to a clothing and toy Giveaway event on Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 9 a.m. to noon at 51 Old Gick Road.

This event is free and open to the public.  Lightly used winter clothing for all ages, as well as “like-new” toys and children’s books, will be available for families and individuals in the community.

The event will practice social distancing and attendees are encouraged to wear masks while inside the church building, according to church officials.

More information about New Life Fellowship Church and its upcoming events is available at www.newlifeinsaratoga.org. or call the church office at 518-580-1810 Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

HALFMOON — As our troops head home from Afghanistan, it is an important time to be reminded of the significance of the yellow ribbon. 

Yellow ribbons traditionally represent the message of “Support our Troops.” New York State observes Yellow Ribbon Day to honor current and former members of the United States Armed Forces on April 9 of each year since 2006. 

Each year, Yellow Ribbon Day is championed by Carol Pingelski Hotaling, the “Yellow Ribbon Lady,” who began making yellow ribbons to donate to the family members of troops deployed during Operation Desert Storm. NYS Yellow Ribbon Day was originally held at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks and now takes place at the Halfmoon Town Hall. 

VFW Post 358 in Ballston Spa buys 72 rolls of yellow ribbon every year for Yellow Ribbon Day. At three county fairs this past summer, Scott Lamb, Cemetery Director at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery handed out flyers to raise awareness, which are printed by Business Products CO. of NE, Inc., a Clifton Park company who has done all Yellow Ribbon Day printing for free for the past 30 years. 

Hotaling wants to educate community members on why we put out yellow ribbons and yellow bows which can stay up year-round. The organizers of Yellow Ribbon Day hope it will grow into a National Day of Remembrance.

The next New York State Yellow Ribbon Day is Saturday, April 9, 2022, 11 a.m. at the Town Hall in Halfmoon. They will be accepting donations for NY2 Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. Donations received will be used to send Freedom Boxes to our deployed troops. Blue Star Mothers send Freedom Boxes throughout the year and collect donations year-round. 

Please contact Blue Star Mothers with questions at capitalregion2bsm@gmail.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga TODAY and Spa City Digital will be hosting two nights of political debates featuring Saratoga Springs candidates on Oct. 12 and Oct. 21.

All five City Council seats – Mayor, and Commissioners of Public Works, Accounts, Finance and Public Safety, as well as two city Supervisor seats – are up for election on Nov. 2. 

To submit a question for possible inclusion, email: cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com. 

Information for Online viewing of the live debates will be announced in early October.