BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga is preparing for a multi-year celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution that is anticipated to both – raise local educational awareness, and provide a financial stimulus for communities across the region. 

“This is going to be a big deal. It’s a huge opportunity for the county. We’re going to ensure that it’s a big deal and the county and the surrounding communities are going to benefit from it,” says Todd Kusnierz, supervisor of the town of Moreau and chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. 

The American Revolution – in which Saratoga County played a significant role – will be observed as a 250th anniversary commemoration across the country from 2025 through 2033. Federal and state anniversary commissions have been or are in the process of being created. Two weeks ago, the county Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to establish the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission.    

“Two key aspects of this effort are the educational impact, and the economic impact,” says Kusnierz. “We will involve schools and teachers to help encourage them to educate our children on the events that took place right here in our own backyard, and the importance it had on the world. The other component is the economic impact that this will have on the county. We estimate tens of thousands of visitors, including international visitors, will come in to our county over the course of this celebration – especially in 2027 – and that will have a major impact on our local economy. Cultural and heritage tourism is a key driver of tourism dollars. “ 

The Battles of Saratoga – which took place in September and October 1777 – were a turning point in the Revolutionary War, resulting in the surrender of the Army of British General John Burgoyne to American General Horatio Gates following the success of the Americans at the Battles of Saratoga,

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“Certainly Schuylerville, the town of Saratoga, the town of Stillwater are very critical players in this celebration. For our area particularly it will be the Battles of Saratoga and the ultimate surrender of Burgoyne here,” said Tom Wood, longtime supervisor of the town of Saratoga, who had previously served as its historian. 

Wood, along with Kusnierz and Stillwater Supervisor Edward Kinowski are part of the 13-member commission – a number chosen in honor of the 13 original colonies. Additional members appointed to the commission by Kusnierz include Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, and persons representing county education, veterans’ services, the Saratoga National Historical Park, and others. The Commission will be active through the end of the calendar year 2033. Members of the commission will receive no salary or compensation for
their services. 

“Although the big events happened here in the town of Saratoga, and in the town of Stillwater, we want this to be a county-wide celebration, to involve all of Saratoga County,” Wood said. “There were Revolutionary War things that happened throughout the county and those will all be integrated into the celebration, and we’ll also will be communicating with other counties, as they likewise will be creating Revolutionary War 250th anniversary commissions.” 

Varying themes will be established for each year of the anniversary to enable other historic sites and groups in the county to plan events in conjunction with the themes. The commission will also coordinate with both state and federal revolutionary war commissions recently established to help mark the national milestone, Kusnierz says. 

“The focus will be on the anniversary of the Battle(s) of Saratoga – that was the turning point of the American Revolution, and dare I say one of the most influential battles in world history.  That celebration is going to take place in the fall of 2027. Obviously, this is a big event and we wanted to get the ball rolling.” 

The county will be investing funds to help organize and publicize events, and the Board will begin discussing its level of investment in the fall when the 2022 budget process gets underway. State and/or federal funds may also play a role. The county will also look to form a non-profit that to collect donations that may also be used to help with the events and celebrations, Kusnierz added. 

BALLSTON SPA – The Capital Region in general, and Saratoga County especially, has seen an upswing of COVID infection rates over the past few weeks.

On July 29, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Kusnierz announced the formation of the Saratoga Health and Readiness Planning (SHARP) Task Force, which was tasked to analyze guidance issued by state Department of Health and the CDC, and make recommendations for the community.

“We had a meeting with senior staff here at the county (on Aug. 2) and we expect to have a full Task Force meeting – we’re shooting for the end of this week – and hold a public event to update our county residents,” Kusnierz said this week. 

“The county is strongly recommending our residents follow CDC guidelines. However, the county is not going to do mandatory requirements for masks. At the end of the day the most effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, the people you interact with, is to get vaccinated – so we are strongly encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to do so. “

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tagged Saratoga County as having a “substantial” level of transmission and as such recommends the wearing of masks indoors, whether or not a person has been vaccinated. According to Saratoga County data this week, the fully vaccinated population accounts for 1.5% of overall county infections to date. Of the 168 deaths in the county, all were unvaccinated.

Approximately two-thirds of the county’s population – just over 150,000 of the approximately 230,000 Saratoga residents – have received at least one vaccine dose. According to the state’s Vaccination Zip Code Tracker – Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park are each above the 70% threshold for vaccination rates, while Victory Mills (46.7%), Porter Corners (48%), and Corinth (52.5%) are the three municipalities with the lowest vaccinated zip codes, according to the state.  

SHARP Task Force members include: Chairman Todd Kusnierz; Clifton Park Supervisor Jonathan Schopf, Vice Chairman of the Board; Malta Town Supervisor Darren O’Connor, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee; County Administrator Steve Bulger; Dr. Dan Kuhles, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Public Health Services; Scot Chamberlain, Saratoga County Director of Human Resources; Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President of Community Advancement with the Capital Region Chamber; and Anita Murphy, Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent.

The city announced Aug. 3 it has begun appointing members to the COVID-19 Memorial Committee. The group will be tasked with creating the language and placement of a memorial for those who have lost their lives to the pandemic. Among the members are: Charlie Samuels, Tara Gaston, Susanna Combs, and Dr. Robert Donnarumma, chair of Emergency Medicine at Saratoga Hospital.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – Statements from local political leaders were swift in response to the report of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so.

“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment. No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.” –  Democrat U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, in a joint statement.

“The just-released comprehensive, thorough, and independent report from New York State Attorney General Letitia James into the Governor’s disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, and workplace intimidation while breaking state and federal laws leads to one inescapable conclusion – one that I reached months ago: Cuomo must resign, now! As detailed in the Attorney General’s findings and a five-month-long investigation, Cuomo is a serial sexual harasser that has brought disgrace upon his office and stained our state. For the good of New York, Cuomo must go. He must immediately resign or face bipartisan impeachment during a Special Session of the state Legislature.” – Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon.

“This is truly a disappointing day for all New Yorkers but an important one to begin to provide some closure for all the women who were victims of this Governor’s actions. The New York State Attorney General’s disturbing report confirms what I’ve been saying for months, that Andrew Cuomo must be impeached and removed from office immediately.  Enough is enough!” – Sen. James Tedisco, R-Glenville.  

“No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately…President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation. In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.” – U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, 21^st Congressional District.  

“I called for a full and independent investigation earlier this year into credible allegations that Gov.  Cuomo sexually harassed several women including members of his own staff. In March, as those allegations grew even more troubling, I called on him to do the right thing for the people of New York and resign. The New York Attorney General’s report today confirms my worst fears. The governor‘s victims deserve justice, the people of our state deserve better and the governor needs to resign.”  – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, 20^th Congressional District.

“I called for the Governor’s resignation when these credible allegations came to light earlier this year. Now that we see this thorough and well documented investigation released by the Attorney General, there is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo cannot continue in a leadership role in this state. In light of the pervasive appalling behavior documented in this report, he should immediately resign. Failing this, the Assembly should impeach Andrew Cuomo. As a voter in New York, I am angry. As a human being, I am disgusted.” – Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake.

The 168-page report may be read at: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021.08.03_nyag_-_investigative_report.pdf.

Saratoga Springs — On Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge No. 161 will sponsor a Patriot Day Parade commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy. The parade’s theme will be “Honoring Our Community Heroes.”

The Elks plan to honor local first responders who went to New York City to assist with search and rescue efforts after the Twin Towers fell, as well as local community first responders, essential workers and community service providers who have been at the forefront of the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Elks are looking for musical acts, color guards, and marching bands to provide entertainment during the parade. Groups interested in performing, email the Lodge Secretary at saratogawiltonelks161@albany.twcbc.com and request a participation application. 

Parade participants will march down Broadway in the City of Saratoga Springs starting at noon. The Avant Garde Alumni will be again reuniting and providing a featured performance in the parade. 

ARGYLE — Join Grassland Bird Trust (GBT) for a “Farm Feast for Grassland Birds,” hosted by Pleasant Valley Farm 4 – 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. 

This farm-to-table dinner sponsored by Stewart’s Shops will feature a chef-prepared buffet of fresh, locally grown products from Pleasant Valley Farm, Mack Brook Farm, Hicks Orchard/Slyboro Ciderhouse, Battenkill Valley Creamery, Winney’s Blueberry Farm, and more with fresh fish from Moby Ricks/PuraVida Fisheries. 

Pleasant Valley Farm owners Paul and Sandy Arnold have over 40 types of fruits and vegetables year-round on this certified naturally grown farm located at 118 S. Valley Road in Argyle. 

Take a free tour of the farm before dinner, catch a live bird of prey presentation by Trish Marki from Silent Wings and enjoy a chance to meet GBT board members and staff and fellow conservationists in a relaxing atmosphere. 

Limited seating; visit bit.ly/gbtfarmfeast to reserve your spot. Minimum donation $100.  Donate $250 or more to Grassland Bird Trust and receive two tickets to your choice of upcoming musical events at Hicks Orchard/Slyboro Ciderhouse.

All funds raised from this event will support GBT’s work to preserve critical grassland habitat for endangered, threatened, and rapidly declining grassland birds.  Learn more at grasslandbirdtrust.org or call 518-499-0012.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The historic Marshall House at 136 Route 4 North in Schuylerville will be open on Sunday, Aug. 1 as part of the Village’s Turning Point Parade celebration. 

The house played an important role in the area’s Revolutionary War history, serving as a field hospital for the British troops and the German soldiers who fought with them in the Saratoga campaign. The family of the German General Friedrich Riedesel had accompanied Burgoyne to the battlefront.

The Baroness Frederika Riedesel (as portrayed by Debbie Bailey) will greet visitors and tell the story of how she with her three children endured bombardment at the Marshall House during the American siege during the Battles of Saratoga in 1777. Docents will explain details of the historic house. 

Visitors will be limited to groups of fifteen in 45-minute sessions at 2:30, 3:15, 4 and 4:45 p.m. There will be valet parking at the house. While admission is free, a donation of $10 per person is suggested to further the educational outreach of The Marshall House.  Registration is required. To register, go to www.themarshallhouse.org and click on Special Event Sunday, August 1 on the home page. 

Ticks carry the risk for more than just Lyme disease. 

There are actually at least 18 known tickborne illnesses resulting from tick bites. Incidences of the lesser-known ones, including anaplasmosis, are on the rise in New York State. 

“Over the last several years there has been an increase in our area. It’s unclear whether that’s a reflection of an increase in the number of ticks, or a change in our behavior,” said Dr. Brian McDermott, an infectious disease specialist at Saratoga Hospital.

While there is still debate about whether the spike is caused by climate changing to enable these tiny parasites to survive longer, or if the soar is because more people are getting outdoors, counties across the state are warning residents to be cautious. 

Important Differences

Even with the surge, in Saratoga County, reports of Lyme disease remain approximately ten times more prevalent than those of anaplasmosis. 

One of the biggest concerns however, is that people with anaplasmosis often don’t know they have it. Unlike with Lyme disease, there is no tell-tale red bullseye when a person is bitten by a tick infected with anaplasmosis. 

Another difference is that for a person to contract Lyme disease, the tick must stay attached for 24 to 48 hours to give the bacteria enough time to be transmitted through the body’s bloodstream. There is no indication that ticks with anaplasmosis must engorge themselves for a prolonged period of time – meaning that even a brief exposure could cause an infection. 

Unexplained Symptoms

Symptoms of anaplasmosis typically appear within a week or two after you’ve been bitten and may include a significantly high fever (103 degrees or more), chills, dry heaves, head and muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. 

“Doctors often can’t distinguish it from any other viral infection you might have until a test is done specifically for it,” said Dr. McDermott. 

Left undetected, severe life-threatening complications, especially for those people with compromised immune systems, can result. 

Treatment 

Once anaplasmosis is diagnosed, it is treated with the antibiotic doxycycline (the same thing used to treat Lyme disease). 

Because anaplasmosis is a viral infection, the human body doesn’t produce protective antibodies, so it is possible that you can contract it more than once. 

In New York, there is also an increase in incidences of Babesiosis, a tick-borne disease similar to malaria. 

The way to prevent Lyme, anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, or any of the other diseases contracted through ticks, is to protect yourself and your pets from exposure. 

Prevention Tips

• Treat clothing and gear with products containing permethrin. 

• Avoid high grassy areas and walk in the center of trails.

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved product.

• Take a shower soon after coming indoors and do full-body checks of yourself, your pets, and your gear.

For more information from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about tickborne diseases including anaplasmosis, go to www.cdc.gov.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Delays in the procurement of materials, labor shortages, and general supply chain issues have combined to cause a delay in meeting a previously anticipated September completion of the Ashdown Road bridge project, according to a statement released this week by Saratoga Deputy County Administrator Ridge Harris. 

Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett, who serves as Chairman of the County’s Public Works committee visited the Ashdown Road bridge construction site July 26 to receive a briefing on the project’s status.

“The delays are disappointing, but the county is committed to this important investment and will continue to work with the engineers and contractors to ensure the project is complete and the road is reopened as quickly and as safely as possible,” Barrett said, in a statement. “When completed, this project will bring enhanced safety to the many residents who utilize Ashdown Road.”

Construction began in late spring. The new estimated project timeline has not been finalized. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — “The American Rescue Plan has rescued an American music treasure,” according to Caffe Lena Executive Director Sarah Craig. The historic Saratoga Springs venue announced receipt of an award of $255,000 in the form of a Shuttered Venues Operators Grant. 

“The funds give us security during a very unpredictable time,” said Craig. The 110 seat venue on Phila Street is planning to return to full capacity on July 30 with a two-show night featuring the indie folk band Darlingside. 

A nationwide grassroots push to include assistance for  performing arts in the American Rescue Plan was facilitated by Senator Chuck Schumer. Schumer was a major force in securing $16 billion for live performance venues and cultural organizations.

Caffe Lena joins Capital Region arts organizations Proctors, SPAC and The Palace in winning funds to make up for 2020 losses and assist with the cost of returning to normal operations.

To learn more about Caffè Lena’s wide-ranging programs, visit www.caffelena.org.