Made from rugged, waterproof, high-performance Nomex fabric, these coats and pants are super strong.

Matt Varner, a 27-year veteran firefighter with the Schuyler Hose Company, is giving decommissioned personal protective equipment a second life by repurposing it into custom-made tool bags, backpacks and more. 

“We had an abundance of leftover gear and I said, ‘Give me a chance to see what we can do with this’”, said Varner.

2nd Due Turnout Accessories was born. 

Tried and True

With his mom’s help, in June 2019, Varner began making tool bags and donating them to his fellow firefighters to use on the job. 

“I never thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would be sewing and designing,” he said. 

People were happy with the products he made
and began asking him to create more items from their old gear. 

Now Varner makes just about anything imaginable.

Whether aprons and oven mitts standing up to the heat in the kitchen or as a backpack loaded up to get through a tough school day, when it comes to everyday use, this high-tech fabric is second-to-none.

“The durability of the fabric is the best part of it,” said Varner. 

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Statement-Making Styling

When it comes to creating new items, the distinctive emergency-gear style elements that make first-responders easy to recognize, like light-reflective striping, offer an array of design possibilities.

Varner’s designs cleverly incorporate features like these in everything from wallets to dog harnesses. Every bit of the original garment can be reimagined into something new: including zippers, pockets and even pant suspenders that are remade into pack straps. 

When requested, firefighters’ nameplates and numbers are given a place of honor on these pieces, as well.

“People are excited to see their gear and to be able to use it again on a regular basis as something new. It’s really cool to be able to do that,” said Varner.

Heavy-Duty Everyday

Officially launching his business in September, Varner’s work was mainly known only to others in the fire service until this winter when the 2nd Due Turnout Accessories Facebook page and shop was opened. 

Now, the public can order a variety of products online at reasonable prices, in an assortment of styles and colors. 

“This is a blue-collar product made for a blue-collar customer,” said Varner.

To find out more about what Varner is creating
or to place an order, find him on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/2ndDueTurnoutAccessories.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 22nd annual gathering of Chowderfest was staged Saturday, Feb. 1. The event featured 93 vendors – including 11 first-time Chowderfest contestants.  More than 140,000 bowls of chowder were served, and over 30,000 people attended the event, according to Discover Saratoga. 

Event-goers sampled a variety of chowder from participating vendors for $1 and voted for their favorite. Winners were chosen in 10 different categories. 

The 2020 Annual Chowderfest winners are as follows:

• People’s Choice 500 bowls or less:
  Ribbon Cafe, Southwest Shrimp Corn Chowder with tequila bacon

• People’s Choice 501-750 bowls:
  Bentley’s Tavern, Sweet Harvest Chorizo Chowder

• People’s Choice 751-1,000 bowls:
  The Mill on Round Lake, Davey Jones Seafood Chowder

• People’s Choice 1,001-1,500 bowls:
  Solevo Kitchen & Social, Clams Casino Chowder

• People’s Choice 1,501- 2,000 bowls:
  The Wesley Community, Smokey Shrimp and Grilled Andouille Sausage Chowder

• People’s Choice 2,001-3,000 bowls:
  Courtyard by Marriott, Smoked Buffalo Chicken Chowder

• People’s Choice 3,001-4,000 bowls:
  The Parting Glass, Luck of the Irish Seafood Chowder 

• People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls:
  Dango’s, Chicken Wing Chowder

• Best Dessert Chowder:
  Sweet Mimi’s Café & Bakery, Tiramisu Dessert Chowder

• Saranac Cup:
  Bookmakers at the Holiday Inn, Saranac Lager Philly Cheesesteak Chowder

There’s something special about dining in the Adirondacks. 

Home to agricultural and culinary traditions that are deeply rooted – not only in the soil of our farmland but also in our heart and soul.  Regional chefs are known for drawing on the inspiration and imagination of nature’s bounty, creating dishes that pair flavors of local harvests for unique dining experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

Andy’s Adirondack Grille at Malta Ridge is a perfect example of dining in the Adirondacks, from the moment you step inside to sit at the bar with friends, to dine alone, or grab a few tables with family and children in tow. 

The walls are warm, knotty pine. Large picture windows let in plenty of sunlight.  Dining tables with charmingly mismatched chairs invite guests to sit down and enjoy a meal by the stone fireplace on a cold Winter’s day, or by windows in the porch area, located in the front section of the restaurant.

Once known as Bentley’s, Andy Bentley – the owner – renamed the restaurant a few years ago. Determined to consistently improve the quality of food and service provided to guests, he didn’t want it to be known only as Malta’s ‘pizza joint,’ either.

“I love the new name we decided on. I mean, we’re located in the Southern Adirondacks, stand in my parking lot and look North – beautiful! The place has the feel of the mountains, lakes and wildlife – everything that symbolizes the area. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Andy is married with two children – a boy and girl, eight and ten years old. He hopes they grow up to love the business. “They’ll have hands-on training here, that’s for sure,” he grins at the thought. “I think everyone should have to work in the restaurant business at some point in life. You learn a lot about people.”

Executive Chef Tina Marie Clements knew she wanted to be a chef as early as the sixth grade. She attended Johnson & Wales, earning degrees in both culinary and hotel/restaurant management. She’s well-known throughout the Capitol District as well, working at various establishments over her 30 years in the industry.

The time she spent working on Saratoga Lake, at Panza’s Restaurant, brings back sweet memories. “I learned so much while I was there. My hands-on training taught me more than any textbook ever could have,” Tina recalls. 

Whenever someone asks what brought her to Andy’s Adirondack Grille in May 2018, the chef laughs. “It was something new for me. And I wanted to work less, maybe just two or three shifts a week.” Tina chuckles. “It didn’t work out that way.” Instead, she fell in love with the restaurant and in helping Andy refine – not re-invent – the extensive menu already in place.   

The bartender makes every drink under the sun – we try a refreshingly tart, green apple martini, and a silky-smooth chocolate martini that feels more decadent with every sip. Not surprisingly, local craft beers are served here as well. Our pick, Adirondack Brewery Bare-Naked Ale, a medium-bodied amber ale with a toasty-fruity flavor. 

Tina’s Thai Shrimp is delectable, freshly grilled, tender, and tossed with a sweet-spicy glaze. It has a small green salad off to one side, a perfect-sized appetizer for two. 

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When our waitress, Lisa, walks over, presenting our next dish, we’re pretty sure we’ve died and gone to heaven. The menu’s Caldwell-style little-neck clams – simmered with chopped clams, white wine, garlic, and herbs tastes scrumptious, especially with the thick garlic toast-points we happily dip into the seasoned broth. 

“We always bring spoons with this dish,” she says. “People love to empty the bowl – spoons are easier than slurping.”

Later, when we grab a few moments to visit with Chef Tina, we ask what’s in the Caldwell broth, there’s a flavor that we can’t quite place. She grins, shaking her head back and forth. “Now, now,” she laughs. “I can’t give away all my secrets.” 

If you’re in the mood for handcrafted, gourmet pizza, this restaurant serves three sizes and six varieties. There’s a selection of flavorful toppings listed on the menu. We choose ‘The Godfather,’ a combination of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, prosciutto ham – topped with fresh basil, a savory balsamic glaze, and white crust. 

Andy’s Adirondack Grille serves four soups every day. White clam chowder, a soup-of-the-day, a savory French onion, and a lobster and shrimp combo. We choose the French onion – a hearty beef-based broth layered with bubbling Swiss cheese that’s melted and oozing over the sides of each crock. 

Don’t judge me when I say we made sure to eat every bit of cheese!

With seasonal menu changes – some heartier choices are now available. One of them, known as Prime Rib Day, is offered on Wednesdays. Guests can order three different sizes. 

Are you kidding?

The slab of marbled meat is thick and juicy. It cuts easily and is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Tina hand-cuts onions into super-thin slices, breading and frying them to serve alongside the rib. It comes with a side of horseradish sauce and au jus gravy. 

Not just the décor has an Adirondack feel, but the menu also… with choices like Cedar River Chicken Parmesan, Minerva Chicken Marsala, Friend’s Lake Alfredo, Long Lake Lasagna, and Sagamore Pasta, you get the full experience. Never forgetting they’re located in Saratoga, (just off Exit 13N, minutes from downtown) their nod to the track is the delicious ‘Whirlaway’ Chicken, which honors an American champion Thoroughbred racehorse who won the US triple crown in 1941. Tina cooks a panko crusted chicken breast, drizzles a maple Dijon sauce with Applewood smoked bacon over the top, then serves it on a bed of fluffy rice seasoned to perfection – divine!

Vegetables at Andy’s are fresh, perfectly cooked and delicious – we dig into mashed potatoes, grilled carrots, peppers, and colorful, buttery squash. 

During our time here, tables fill up with couples, families with teenagers, others with small children. We catch snippets of conversation and laughter around us as we end with dessert – a rich and creamy vanilla pumpkin parfait with more than a hint of cinnamon whipped cream– just like our moms would’ve made. The mingling of voices makes it sound very homey here – as if there are no strangers under this roof.

“We love kids,” Andy tells us. “It’s nice to serve families. Listening to them chat over lunch or dinner is a pleasure. As you can see, we have crayons and paper for the little ones to color with while they wait.” 

We watch as Tina walks from table to table. Even Andy is out on the floor, visiting with guests – most they know by name – making sure everything’s to their liking. “Every guest is our favorite,” he tells us when he comes over to say good night. 

We leave the restaurant feeling full, carrying doggie bags to the car, promising ourselves we’ll be back soon.

As part of its observance of American Heart Month, Saratoga Hospital will offer heart scans at the discounted price of $99 in February. The simple, painless test—also known as a cardiac calcium scoring exam—can detect heart disease even before symptoms begin. Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer of men and women alike. Every year, 1 in 4 U.S. deaths is caused by heart disease. When discovered early, heart disease can be treated—with great success. Cardiac calcium scoring uses a CT scan to detect and measure calcium deposits (also known as hard plaque) in the coronary arteries. Over time, these deposits can build up and block blood flow to the heart. The test may make sense for individuals who have any of the following risk factors: · Diabetes · Family history of heart disease · High blood pressure or high cholesterol · Overweight by 20% or more · Sedentary lifestyle · Tobacco use · Men over 45 · Women over 55 or women over 40 who have gone through menopause or had their ovaries removed and are not taking estrogen As with any test, individuals should discuss their situation with their healthcare provider first. A physician referral is required. The exam often is not covered by insurance. For more information or an appointment, call 518-580-2232.

GLENS FALLS — The North Country Toastmasters Club #6295 would like to congratulate two of its members, and servant leaders in the community, who recently completed the requirements to earn their Distinguished Toastmaster Award.  The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. Less than one percent of all Toastmasters ever earn this status. North Country is one of five clubs locally in Area 74, which extends south from Saratoga/Malta region, up north to Plattsburgh, NY. District 53 is comprised of over 140 clubs throughout Connecticut, eastern New York and western Massachusetts. 

Terry Goodemote joined Toastmasters in April 2015 and was awarded his DTM December 24, 2019.  Terry retired as Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer of Arrow Financial Corporation (Arrow) after 25 years of service to the company. Prior to joining Arrow, Terry worked in public accounting for many years as a Certified Public Accountant. He is a coach, mentor and role model who serves on many committees for the Turning Point District of the Twin Rivers Council BSA, is the Charter Partner Representative for BSA Troop 16 and Cub Scout Pack 16, is an active member and Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, is the current President of the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation, serves on the Adirondack District and Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) for the Upper NY Conference of the United Methodist Church and actively serves in many leadership roles for the United Methodist Church of Queensbury.  With the skills acquired in Toastmasters, Terry served as a summer enrichment instructor for SUNY Adirondack in a junior Toastmasters class specifically designed to encourage youth to serve with passion, lead with conviction and communicate with confidence. Terry is the current Club President and has served several other roles in the Club, Area 74 and District 53.

Steve Miller joined Toastmasters in July 2014 and was awarded his DTM January 11, 2020.  Steve retired in 2018 after more than 36 years as a letter carrier with the US Postal Service in Saratoga Springs.  He is a past president and member of the International Coleman Collector’s Club, is a member and serves on the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls and is an active member with the United Methodist Church of Queensbury.  Steve currently serves the club as Sergeant at Arms, and has also served as Past Club President as well as other leadership roles in the Club and District 53.

The Distinguished Toastmaster distinction involves not only speeches (about 50) but altruistic servant leadership at the Club and District Level, and demonstration of teamwork and leadership skills. Both Steve and Terry are well known throughout our community for being generous with their time and energy to mentor and encourage all members to pursue their goals and strive for excellence. Hardworking and dedicated, they are also two of the nicest guys you will ever meet, which makes their tremendous success all the more special. We are so proud of them for being recognized with this incredible honor.

As part of the Saratoga County Roundtable Oral History initiative, members of the Rutgers University Oral History Team will present a program entitled “Creating Oral History” on Saturday, February 22, 1-3 PM at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa. Since 1994, the Rutgers Oral History Archives has achieved an impressive record of success with more than 2,000 interviews conducted to date. Topics will include identification of prospective interviewees, interview preparation and techniques, as well as information on posting interviews on-line. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate as interviewees or interviewers during the program. For more information on this and other upcoming 2020 SCHR programs visit saratogacountyhistoryroundtable.com or contact Jim Richmond at SaratogaCoHistoryRoundtable@gmail.com

It takes some pretty amazing villagers to purchase a burned-out, mid-1800s building and restore it to its original splendor. But that’s exactly what happened in the case of the Vischer Ferry General Store, located at 357 Riverview Road, Rexford. 

After fire swept through the structure in 2013, three local couples—Paul and Joanne Coons, George and Karan Donohue, and Louise and Tom McManus—banded together to purchase the building, comprised of a store and two apartments, and renovate it in a historically accurate and energy efficient manner.

Each of the couples had a personal interest in resurrecting the damaged structure. Louise and Tom McManus live in the historic home to the left of it, the Donohues in the gray farmhouse to the right, and Paul and Joanne Coons have a passion for purchasing historically significant homes and restoring them to their former glory. In fact, they once owned and refurbished the 19th century Greek revival residence that the McManuses now call home. 

“The fire enabled us to see all the original features that had long been hidden behind sheetrock walls, drop-ceilings, and carpeted floor,” says Louise McManus, who now owns and operates the general store portion of the building. “The newer features took the brunt of the fire damage and protected the historic materials. Incredibly, we were able to salvage and refinish most of the original floor planks throughout the building. Replacement boards were sourced from an old barn in Fort Plain.”

Although Louise had never specifically dreamed of owning her own business, she had always aspired to do something creative. When her 10-year career at a Saratoga bridal shop wound down just as the renovation project was materializing, she found herself intrigued by the creative opportunities that might come of bringing an old-time general store back to modern-day Vischer Ferry. In its heyday, the store had been a gathering spot for locals and a popular stop for canallers along the Erie Canal. Given its proximity to the 740-acre Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve, Louise believed that the store could once again become a popular stop for visitors as well as a vibrant community hub for local residents. 

“I’ve always enjoyed curating merchandise,” Louise says, “and I loved the idea of bringing food and retail together.” Each month, she arranges special onsite events like an evening pizza truck, a Saturday outdoor antique market, or a Lebanese afternoon tea. 

Louise’s creative flare is further showcased in her stunning seasonal and holiday displays, both in-store and throughout the grounds. “I love decorating—especially the truck!” she says, referring to the green,1950 Studebaker pickup truck parked out front to welcome visitors to her establishment. 

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The Vischer Ferry General Store is well-known for its scrumptious breakfast sandwich, distinctive beverages, and mouthwatering baked goods. “Our menu varies daily,” says employee Jenna Batchelder, who does some of the cooking and baking, “and we’re always trying new things.” 

Popular items include challah bread French toast, soups, salads, sandwiches, crustless quiches, and wraps. And check out the made-from-scratch sweet treats like sea salt milk chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pecan pie, and maple bacon scones! Gluten-free options are always available.

Property co-owner George Donohue is the kitchen’s head chef. “I’ll find a new recipe online and try it, then play with it, adjusting it ‘til I get it right. Our customers give us ideas, too,” he adds. “We’re always open to suggestions.” 

George, a retired 40-year automobile mechanic, enjoys making people happy. “In my old job, I’d hand someone a $500 repair bill and they’d leave unhappy. Here,” he grins, “I give them a $10 meal, and they leave happy. It’s nice to be on the other end.” 

Louise credits George for locating the store’s crowd-pleasing Studebaker. “One day I told George that I’d really love to have an old green pickup truck parked in front of the store. A day or so later, he walked in and told me he’d found us the perfect truck!” 

One of George’s contacts from his many years as a mechanic not only graciously lent Louise her dream vehicle but allowed her to detail it with the store’s name and catchy slogan: Gather, Shop, Eat. 

In addition to food, the Vischer Ferry General Store carries a distinctive line of gift and souvenir items. A tinier shop out back, christened The Shed, also houses an eclectic array of vintage gifts and curios. In fair weather, four cruising bikes can be found parked nearby. 

“We added the bikes last June,” Louise says.
“We encourage our visitors to enjoy a nice bike ride, explore the preserve, then stop back afterwards for a bite to eat. Our staff is always happy to offer suggestions on where to go or what to do.”

When asked if her initial goals for the store have been realized, Louise McManus beams. “Realized and exceeded! The positive response from our customers and the community has been overwhelming and heartwarming. Looking ahead, I hope to collaborate with even more local business owners and bring in many more special events. The possibilities are endless.” 

Vischer Ferry General Store hours: Thursday & Friday, 8-5; Saturday & Sunday, 8-3. To learn more, visit www.vischerferrygeneralstore.com. 

Click Here for House of the Week:
169 Gronczniak Road

City Mayor Meg Kelly Delivers State of The City Address
Parking Garage • City Hall Opens • Firehouse • Green Belt

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Accompanied by the members of the City Council and city supervisors, Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly on Jan. 28 led the annual State of The City address. 

Kelly referenced challenges faced during last year’s SOTC address, the status of those challenges, and city goals in the new year.    

 “At that time, we were facing the results of the lightning strike of 2018 – an extraordinary event that tested us – took us out of the safety and comfort of our workplace and moved us into a gym,” Mayor Kelly said, recalling the results of a mid-August storm which caused extensive fire and water damage to City Hall. The building housed they city’s government and its court system. Workers were relocated to the Vanderbilt Avenue recreation center, and the city court to Lincoln Baths – quarters where each have remained since. 

 “This year, we are facing a more positive challenge: a smooth return to a repaired City Hall that has been renovated to meet the needs of city government in the year 2020.” City departments have notified the Department of Public Works that they would be prepared to move back into the building at the end of February. 

“We plan to begin our transition back into City Hall at the end of next month,” reported Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco, whose department spearheaded the renovation and restoration of the near 150-year-old building.  A final price tag is not yet known, but previous estimates placed the renovation/restoration costs at just over $11 million, and an anticipation that the city would recover $4 to $5 million of those costs via insurance.   

The “new” City Hall will feature upgraded plumbing and electrical, an HVAC system providing temperature controls throughout the building, the installation of lightning protection to ensure such a strike never happens again, and realized energy efficiencies with LED lighting and the removal of window air conditioning units, Scirocco said. 

Additionally, the Music Hall will be preserved and enhanced and once again host events, and in its renovation project the city satisfied the state mandate for a second hearing room and adequate court space for a second full-time City Court judge. 

With the recreation center used to house city business throughout 2019, the Recreation Department responded to the loss of its space by fostering relationships with the YMCA, Saratoga Springs Schools, St. Clements School, Spa Catholic High School and Gavin Park in Wilton to regroup and reestablish programs for children and adults, Mayor Kelly said. “Hats off and endless thanks to the employees of the City of Saratoga Springs.”

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Highlighted achievements during 2019 and plans for 2020: 

• The East Side Fire Station, currently slated to be sited on Henning Rd., is closer to realization than any time in recent history. 

• The Geyser Road Trail project, idling since 2008, is ready for groundbreaking. The resolution of Lawsuits that had stalled have been resolved, allowing the project to move forward. The planning department led the work to secure the funding, complete the bidding process, and prepare the contract for its construction.

 • The Code Blue emergency homeless shelter has found a new temporary home on Adelphi Street, where it will be sited for two years. Through strong working relationships among city, county and Shelters of Saratoga (S.O.S.) leaders, Mayor Kelly said: “We expect long-term solutions to homelessness to be built upon these relationships.”

• The development of the City Center Parking Structure and Flat Rock Centre is underway. 

• As part of the Uniform Development Ordinance (UDO), the city is updating the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2015. The draft UDO was recently presented to the City Council and was the focus of three public workshops. “This is another very important project that will continue into 2020,” Kelly said. 

• Workforce Housing: The city facilitated the purchase of two workforce housing units through the city’s Workforce Housing Program. Regarding affordable housing, the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority broke ground on The Promenade affordable housing project at Stonequist. The project includes 63 affordable housing units – 18 townhouses, and 45 apartments; Pre-construction efforts on two new buildings with 24 units of affordable housing at the Jefferson Street Terraces are underway; A project on the west side – called Intrada – includes 158 affordable housing units, as well as over 10 acres for public recreation. Two of the four Intrada buildings were completed.

• Saratoga Collaborative to End Homelessness: Staff and public officials will participate in both the design and leadership teams during the first 100-day “sprint cycle” of the Saratoga Collaborative to End Homelessness. The project is spearheaded by Shelters of Saratoga and Presbyterian New England Congregational Church. During this sprint cycle, specific solutions will be designed, tested, and implemented.

• In 2019, the Building Department reports there was a 12% increase in permit applications compared to the previous year, with 16% more permits issued. Inspectors performed 2,410 inspections in 2019, an annual increase of 9% over 2018. 

• On Jan. 21, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled his 2020-2021 Executive Budget. Among the items listed, Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) aid for the city of Saratoga Springs has been eliminated. In 2020, the city anticipated receiving $2.3 in VLT aid revenue, which equates to 5% of the city’s general operating budget. As a goal, the city aims to have that aid restored. 

 • This year, the Canfield Casino in Congress Park will celebrate its 150th anniversary. DPW is planning a celebration of the milestone. The City Historian announced it will present a program on April 29 titled: Convention Hall 1893 – 1965. The program, part of a new series called “Rec Talks,” is designed to encourage members of the community to share their Convention Hall stories
and experiences.

• Newly elected Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton reported the police department is currently staffed with 74 sworn police officers, including three recent academy graduates and four recruits in the current academy, and five sergeants currently deployed on military duty. The police department employs 17 civilian employees, including 11 dispatchers, three Parking Enforcement Officers – two of whom are also Animal Control Officers, and 2 employees for records management. The police department responded to 29,394 calls for service in 2019; The Saratoga Springs Fire Department is staffed with 64 firefighters who provide both fire and EMS response services for the city. Last year the fire department received 3,670 emergency medical calls and responded to 67 fires. 

 • 2020 marks the start of a four-year, $4.2 million water infrastructure improvement plan to upgrade undersized water mains; the replacement of four and six-inch mains with eight-inch water mains will improve water delivery to the public. DPW will also undertake significant upgrades to the Water Treatment Plant this year. A planned water treatment intake valve replacement project will replace 3, circa 1800’s intake valves, bringing water from Loughberry Lake into the plant. A section of the intake lines and an overflow structure from approximately the 1870s will also be replaced. This replacement project represents a $2.3 million investment.

• At the county level, construction will continue on a new public safety facility in the town of Milton near the jail, to expand administrative space for the Sheriff’s Office, as well as to move the probation and Public Health departments to that space. Regarding VLT aid, the county stands to lose about $775,000 in revenue, and plans to bring a full board resolution to its February meeting to advocate for the funds. 

NEW YORK — On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that an international conference will be held this May in New York to build on the work the state has done to help recover property stolen in the course of Nazi prosecution.

“The family of New York will never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust, and this international conference will build on our efforts to help victims of Nazi crimes recover stolen property,” Governor Cuomo said. “Nothing will ever make up for the unimaginable suffering and loss endured by the Jewish people, but my sincere hope is that this event will help Holocaust victims and their families get the justice they deserve.” 

The conference, hosted by the Department of Financial Services’ (DFS) Holocaust Claims Processing Office (HCPO), will be aimed at improving the State’s ability to help recover works of art and other property lost due to Nazi persecution and will include presentations and panel-led discussions between claimant representatives, attorneys, members of the art trade, professionals from cultural institutions, provenance researchers, historians and art historians. The conference will coincide with the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, May 7-8, 2020, and be held in New York City. Since its inception, HCPO has facilitated the restitution of over $178 million in bank accounts, insurance policies, and other material losses and the resolution of cases involving more than 160 works of art.

Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell said, “With 20 years of expertise in helping to restore lost assets to Holocaust victims and their heirs, DFS’ Holocaust Claims Processing Office is uniquely qualified to host this conference and strengthen our efforts to restore what was lost during the Nazi regime. It is our hope and intention that the discussions that take place will facilitate the restitution of long-lost artworks and builds on the state’s efforts to date.”

Jack Kliger, President & CEO, Museum of Jewish Heritage – Living Memorial to the Holocaust said, “As we mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the upcoming anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe over the Nazi regime, we affirm that it is never too late to provide justice and dignity to victims of the Holocaust. We appreciate the support of Governor Cuomo and Superintendent Lacewell for the recovery of property stolen by the Nazis. The Governor is also a great champion of Holocaust education as an important tool for combating antisemitism. In all these efforts, he continues the legacy of New York State as a beacon.”

Because there are no international guidelines on how to interpret terms such as “Nazi-confiscated art,” “forced sale,” and “sale under duress” in the context of a transaction that occurred in Nazi-controlled territories, there are inconsistencies across and within groups of practitioners in the field on how to designate and characterize various forms of loss. The conference will explore the theft of property from the Jewish people during the Nazi-era using specific terms in order to create certainty and commonly accepted practices with respect to restitution and compensability. Additional information can be found at www.dfs.ny.gov/termsofart.