SARATOGA SPRINGS — They stood several feet apart from one another at a noisy intersection where Broadway meets Lake Avenue on a Tuesday morning that marked Day 18 of the city’s declaration as a state of emergency.    

Three months into her new job, the city’s Public Safety Commissioner took her turn at the portable lectern stationed in front of a City Hall under renovation, but where the tools of its reconstruction have been muted. 

“This is not the time for sleep-overs, play-dates, or dinner parties,” instructed commissioner Robin Dalton. 

One of the essential keys of trying to keep people healthy is social distancing – that is: remaining six feet from all other people when in public, and refraining from nonessential gatherings – be it socially, recreationally, or otherwise. Saratoga Springs is taking up Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s guidelines – “These are not helpful hints, these are legal provisions” – and implementing those provisions. 

“As a city we will be enforcing those through warnings, ticketing and fines if needed, because your actions are that important and our health and safety depends on them,” Dalton said. “The longer people break the rules, the longer we are going to be in this situation. How we come out the other side depends on you – the public…we’re going to need the help of every resident in our city to help slow the spread of coronavirus.”

The gathering included city Mayor Meg Kelly, Police Chief Shane Crooks, Fire Chief Joe Dolan, and Saratoga Hospital President Angelo Calbone – the latter of whom explained that the hospital had 10 COVID-19 cases in the building, and that they possessed sufficient Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE’s, to take care of patients and staff at this time. On Thursday, April 2, The Saratoga County Department of Public Health  announced county-wide that there were 139 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County with 19 of those individuals hospitalized at this time.

Saratoga Hospital has also joined the “statewide hospital system” as proposed by Gov. Cuomo, following the Covid-19 outbreak. “To that end, we are comforted to know  that if Saratoga Springs needs it, help will be there from other New York providers,” Mayor Kelly said on April 3. The same afternoon, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, NY-21, released a statement to say she was “very concerned about Gov. Cuomo’s announcement regarding his plan to sign an executive order to shift ventilators from Upstate to Downstate New York.” Stefanik’s district includes a portion of the city of Saratoga Springs, as well as municipalities east, west and north of the city.  

“The North Country comprises the largest number of seniors of any Congressional District in New York State, the most vulnerable age group to COVID-19. Our critical needs and vulnerabilities must be considered….our rural hospitals are already very limited in resources and we must ensure Upstate New York’s needs for testing supplies and ventilators are fully met.”

Mayor Kelly said the city’s parks are still safe for people to go to – as long as social distancing measures are observed. “We want to keep separated right now, and the last thing we want to do is close parks.” One day later, on Wednesday, Gov. Cuomo announced, due to city residents repeated violation of distancing rules, playgrounds in New York City will be closed to the public, although open space areas will remain open.Local authorities in Saratoga Springs re-iterated on Thursday that while the playgrounds and basketball courts where high-density congregation may occur are closed, the parks remain open. 

During his daily briefing from the State Capitol in Albany, Gov. Cuomo warned that rules of social distancing will be in place for a while. “We’re still going up the mountain, and that’s where the battle will be in 14 to 21 days, depending on who you believe. That’s the apex,” the governor said. “We still have to come down the other side of the mountain (before everything re-opens).”

During a mid-week teleconference with the press, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who represents the 21st District, said she is concerned about non-essential travel. “We want to mitigate non-essential travel from anywhere in the state. We have rural hospitals that are already in challenging positions. If the numbers continue to go up or surge, our rural hospitals are not in the same position as some of the hospitals downstate, in terms of bed-count.”    

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While the renovation of City Hall has stopped, for the time being, the building of the multi-story parking garage adjacent to the Saratoga Springs City Center has received approval, with some restrictions, to continue with its construction, building for the time when visitors will once again flock to the city and engage in its multitude of events, conferences, and happenings. 

Site-specific COVID-19 procedures will be met during the building process and the continuation of the Flat Rock Parking Structure is vital for the city’s ability to recover from the damages of the pandemic, City Center Executive Director Ryan McMahon said in a statement. “The Saratoga Springs City Center Authority’s action is in keeping with guidelines issued by Empire State Development (ESD) and is an essential infrastructure project.” 

Financially, the city is bracing for a multi-million dollar loss in revenue due to the pandemic and the resultant closing of all but “essential” businesses, the potential cancellation of major public events, and the stifling of tourism. 

At this time, the city is considering a scenario of a $7.8 million loss of revenue for the first half of 2020, and potentially a total 2020 year-end revenue shortfall of $16 million, Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan estimated in March. With a 2020 General Operating Budget projecting total 2020 revenues of approximately $48.7 million, the scenario equates to a 33% shortfall in 2020 revenue to what was previously anticipated. 

“We are proceeding with caution regarding how to address this loss-of-revenue scenario.  Both over- and under-estimating our response has consequences,” Commissioner Madigan said in a statement.   “Given the city’s good financial position and excellent community partnerships, we have many options, including cash-on-hand, healthy reserves, borrowing, various bonding tools, and shared services…It is too soon to determine what combination of these efforts will fit our needs.  But it is not too soon to state that all options will be considered very carefully.” 

The potential finance losses may be tempered somewhat should the city receive state for hosting a VLT casino. Earlier this year, the city, along with other state municipalities, was warned it might lose approximately $2.35 million in that aid.  On March 31, the city received the hopeful news that the aid may be restored. Madigan said the restoration of that VLT Impact Aid in the 2020-2021 State Budget would be a very positive outcome, particularly as the city works through COVID-19 related fiscal uncertainties.

“We are very hopeful that the city will be receiving its VLT aid based on the budget bill that was published today,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, via phone late Tuesday afternoon. “The bill was published and is now aging for us to vote on it, and the cut that the governor had proposed in his Executive Budget has been removed. So, we are hopeful that the legislature will soon be voting on that bill and the aid will be available to the city.”

However, Woerner echoed Madigan’s sentiments regarding the restoration of that $2.35 million to Saratoga Springs. “You know, it’s not done until it’s done,” she said.

“In family relationships, love is really spelled T.I.M.E.”  ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Promoting quality time – especially with family – is more than just the ‘in thing’ to do these days. Unplugging, taking a break from social media to step outside, enjoy the fresh air and interact with each other has become more sought after than ever before. 

Just ask Dave and Jessica DeConno, young parents of three sons who love fitness as much – if not more – than they do. DeConno’s interest in physical activity includes things like spinning inside, cycling outside, marathons, skiing, swimming, and hiking – to name a few. 

“Kids are capable of so much more than we give them credit for,” Dave says,
smiling at me over our shared snack of cheese and crackers in the living room of their cozy home. “We’ve never hesitated to include the children on our hikes – the boys have grown up appreciating the beauty of nature because of that.” 

Avery, their youngest, interrupts.  “I’m four,” he says. “Two weeks ago, I was only three, but we still hiked seven miles up this big mountain. Ok, dad carried me for one mile – but I did the rest of the hike myself!” I’m not sure I believe him. Jess looks me in the eye, tells me it’s true. 

You’ve got to be kidding.

“Sometimes there’s a melt-down, I’m not going to lie,” she admits. “Hiking is a challenge. It’s taught us to be patient, for sure. Dave and I do what we can to help when it happens. We encourage them, play games together, look for landmarks, talk about their day at school. Any distraction – even for a few minutes – helps to refocus and get going again.” 

Kaden is a handsome 15-year-old who loves to hike with his parents. He takes photos along the way, editing them to share with friends and family later. “My first hike was when I was two. Dad carried me most of the way in his backpack.  I love the early morning car rides, spending time as a family, enjoying the outdoors, and each other. Everything about hiking makes me feel good.”   

Logan is seven. “I’m happy when we finally make it to the top of the mountain,” he grins. “The views are beautiful. We run around, rest a little, then eat a sandwich before we turn back. It’s cool.” 

Even their dog, Summit, loves to hike. He’s in most of the family’s pictures and videos. 

“I love climbing the fire towers best.” Avery pipes in.

“You’re not afraid of heights?” I ask him – a lot of people older than him are.

He giggles. “Not anymore.”

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Dave and Jess do a good deal of research before they leave for a hike. They use apps like ‘AllTrails’ or ‘Adirondack Net’ to see how each one is rated – easy, moderate, or hard. They also check to see how long the hike is, the condition of the trails, and what the weather’s going to be like, so they can dress appropriately. 

At the end of the day, families that spend time together are a healthier, happier, stronger unit. “Start with a short hike,” Dave says. “ Then discuss what everyone liked or didn’t like about it.”

“Research is important,” Mama Bear tells me. “Start planning your next outing as soon as you can. Keep everyone excited. Before you know it, hiking will be something the entire family looks forward to. We wouldn’t trade it for the world.”   

Great snacks for hiking:

* Fun fruits
* Gummy bears
* Grapes
* Apples
* Cucumbers
* Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
* Wraps
* Granola bars
* Plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need
* Juice boxes
* Trail mix 
* For their pup; Summit
* Collapsible bowl
* Kibble
* Treats
* Snacks the boys drop 
* Plenty of water – more than you think he’ll need

At a time when color photography was still rare, David Forbert traveled the world, capturing what he saw through his lens, and sharing it with millions.

At age 12, Forbert won his first photography competition with a picture of a flower from his mother’s garden. He was 17 in World War II, volunteered with the Navy, was sent to a Pensacola, Florida photo school, and went on to the South Pacific. After being discharged, he continued his education before getting a job in 1947 that would change his life – working as a staff photographer with the best-selling consumer magazine, Reader’s Digest. 

The Life of a Travel Photographer

For the next 15 years, Forbert circled the globe, shooting more than 1,000 covers for Reader’s Digest’s 30 foreign editions. 

“I had to get so many pictures that I had to work fast. I was always looking for a picture everywhere I’d go. I went around the world, I don’t know how many times,” he said. 

Photography in the 1950’s was very different than it is today. Forbert lugged around so much stuff that customs often stopped him to investigate. 

Using a Linhof 4×5” camera and Ektachrome film, he’d travel with thousands of flashbulbs and spend his days viewing tiny images upside-down under a focusing cloth. 

“The film speed was the worst thing. (ASA 10, compared to today 1000’s roll.) You cannot move or shoot candidly. You had to have people be absolutely still because it was such a long exposure,” he said. 

Through an International Lens

The format and subject matter depicted on Reader’s Digest covers required that Forbert’s photos be visually appealing from the front (which included a table of contents panel), from the back, and once opened. 

The images must also show everyday life and places familiar to the residents of each country, not a glamorized version from an American’s point of view. 

“People in that country did not necessarily want to see the same things in a picture that tourists did,” said Forbert’s wife, Amy. 

Working at the magazine’s art department, she and their two children would excitedly anticipate Dave’s arrival back home from his travels. 

“I loved it. It was so nice seeing places in his photographs that I’d never been,” she said. 

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The Best Advice He Didn’t Take

In 1961, Reader’s Digest switched to using artwork on their covers. Forbert worked freelance until he and a partner opened the Image International stock photography agency in New York City. 

They would come to represent more than 300 photographers, selling images to top clients. During this period, Dave continued his freelancing working for such clients including Pfizer, Goodyear, Texaco, American Express, and others. 

In addition to their commercial use, Forbert’s photographs were exhibited by major museums around the world including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

In 2004, the Forberts moved to Saratoga, where David’s photography has continued to evolve. Early in his career Edward Steichen, Photo Dept. Director at the NY Museum of Modern Art, advised Forbert to take the pictures he wanted to take and not worry about if they would sell.

“He said, ‘You’ve got talent – shoot what you want.’ I ignored that, fortunately, or I wouldn’t have had a career. Now that I’m retired, I do that,” said Forbert. 

A Priceless Moment in Time

Today, at 94 years old, Forbert uses a digital Nikon camera to shoot florals, is continuing to learn Photoshop, and teaches the occasional photography workshop. 

“I like the digital, you can see the images immediately – it’s great! I don’t miss the darkroom at all,” he said. 

While it seems like everyone is a photographer today, and getting paid for it is harder than ever, the Forberts agree that you should spend your life doing what makes you happy. 

“It really pays to keep going and doing what you love. It’s really important,” said Amy.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – A COVID-19 Task Force has been established, the city of Saratoga Springs announced March 26.

The action follows the State of Emergency – declared on March 13, and the activation of the City of Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.  

Commissioner of Public Safety Robin Dalton leads the city’s response to the Coronavirus outbreak with Incident Commander SSFD Chief Joe Dolan and the support of the COVID-19 Task Force. The Task Force, in consultation with the City Council, is charged with coordinating the performance of specific emergency functions and responsibilities, as outlined under the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.  The Plan provides the city the critical ability to respond to the viral outbreak with a streamlined, efficient and direct response, Dalton said, in a statement.

Commissioner Dalton and Mayor Kelly stressed the city must remain vigilant in following community mitigation actions in the coming weeks to flatten the curve of COVID-19 and slow the spread from reaching our most vulnerable residents, while reducing the strain on our local health care system. 

 ‘It is imperative that we continue to act responsibly and follow the Governor’s Executive Order, so our City can get through this challenging time united in spirit and strength,” Dalton said.

CITY HALL ESSENTIAL SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION
Call your health care provider FIRST if you have any concerns over your health and possible exposure to COVID-19. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
• Fire Department Non-Emergency
Call 518-587-3599. Access to administrative reports, including fire incident reports, will be handled via email and/or phone. No in-person document requests will be facilitated at Fire Headquarters (60 Lake Ave).

• Police Department Non-Emergency
Call 518-584-1800. Members of the public are asked not to come to the police department to file a report. To request copies of an accident report please visit https://buycrash.com. To download a police report request form please visit the city website at https://www.saratogasprings.org/290/Obtaining-Police-Reports.

•Please be advised that wait times may be longer than normal.
• Pay your parking tickets online at https://www.saratoga-springs.org/212/Parking-Tickets or Call 1-800-996-0285 to pay by phone (There will be a $3.50 charge per ticket).
• All station tours, internships, or non-essential programs have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. All civilian fingerprinting services have been suspended until further notice.
For more information, contact Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, at 518-265-6485.

PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES
• The DPW workforce is in emergency standby mode.
• Transfer station hours are 8 am-12 pm/noon, Tuesday-Saturday.
• DPW service calls can be made to police dispatch at 518-584-1800.

CITY HALL SERVICES
No in-person services or appointments will be done at this time. All available City Hall services are outlined below.

ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT
• Vital Records:  Death Certificates: Death certificates will continue to be filed within seventy two (72) hours as required by NYS Law.
• Certified Copies: Certified copies for births, deaths and marriages must be requested via the MAIL on a request form with the required fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per copy. Email Stefanie Richards atStefanie.richards@saratoga-springs.org or Lisa Ribis atlisa.ribis@saratogasprings.org
• Purchasing: Invoices may be emailed to ap-invoice@saratoga-springs.org
• Chapter 136 Cabaret, Eating and Drinking, Lodging and Sidewalk Cafe Licensing: Mail applications and fees for renewal applications. Penalties for late filing will be waived. 
• Special Event Application: Mail applications and fees. Permits will be issued per NYS Governor Cuomo’s Emergency Directives
•  Assessment: Assessment operations are suspended until further notice
• Risk and Safety Issues: Please call Marilyn Rivers, Director Risk & Safety at 518-210-3243
• Vital Records and Purchasing staff are available by phone: Please call Marilyn Rivers, Director Risk & Safety at 518-210-3243

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FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Taxes and Utility Bill payments may be mailed or paid online here:  https://www.saratoga-springs.org/419/Property-Tax-Search-Online-Payments. You may also call the Finance Department at 518-587-3550 x2565.  We will get back to you as soon as possible. 

CIVIL SERVICE
Exam applications are still be accepted. Mail the completed application and required exam fee (or fee waiver if you qualify, please visit the website to review the waiver), to 15 Vanderbilt Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Exam dates may or may not be postponed, but applications will still be accepted. To see the exams that are currently announced, please visit http://saratoga-springs.org/Jobs.aspx.  Please email civilservice@saratoga-springs.org with any questions. 

MAYOR’S DEPARTMENTS
Mayor’s office staff are available by phone and email during business hours: Call 518-587-3550 x2520 or Email  david.snyder@saratoga-springs.org. For more information, contact Lisa Shields, Deputy Mayor, at 518-414-2118.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT
• Intake of new applications is suspended. The counter is closed to the public.
• For active permit applications, staff is reviewing them and working remotely. They are available by phone and email during business hours.
• Only inspections approved by the Building Inspector or designee will be scheduled.
• All non-essential inspections will be cancelled and/or suspended.
• Inspections will be limited to essential projects where no inspection alternative is possible.  
• No inspections will be conducted in occupied residential buildings or assembly spaces.
• All inspection documents, plan revisions, and paperwork must be submitted digitally.
• If an inspection is approved, the contractor must provide accommodations for isolation.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT
• Intake of new applications is suspended.
• For active Land Use Board applications, staff is reviewing them and working remotely. They are available by phone and email during business hours.
• City Land Use Boards meetings are cancelled for at least the next two weeks.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT
• NO in-person registration. Online registration for Spring Soccer and Summer programs are still being accepted.
•Recreation Parks are open to the public, but no organized activities will be scheduled and fields will not be scheduled until further notice.   All rental questions should be emailed to the address below.  If you plan to use a park, please follow all NYS and CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19.  
• Department staff are working remotely.  Please email any questions to Recreservations@saratoga-springs.org. DPW (park maintenance staff) is working in emergency standby mode. DPW service calls can be made to police dispatch, 518-584-1800

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
• The City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meetings, but the public will not be allowed to attend in person until further notice. Meetings will be livestreamed through our website and Facebook page. The agenda will be available in the Agenda Center. Email Mayor Kelly’s office with questions or comments that you would like to have entered into the record.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital has established a COVID-19 Response Team that includes representatives of all disciplines of the hospital, from the main campus and all outpatient offices and facilities. Team members are in constant communication with each other and other area hospitals, as well as state and county health officials.

The best sources of information about COVID-19 plans at Saratoga Hospital are SaratogaHospital.org and the Saratoga Hospital Facebook page. These are updated constantly with their most current policies, including:

Visitation Guidelines: To minimize risks for their patients and staff, no visitors are allowed in the building at this time, with a limited number of exceptions dependent on appropriate screening. This policy also applies to their urgent care and emergent care facilities.

Elective Procedures: Effective Monday, March 23, most elective procedures have been postponed, as recommended by the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Bell and Sharman Lisieski are leading the postponement protocols.

Donations: If you or someone you know wishes to donate, please direct inquiries to contactus@saratogahospital.org. We must follow strict guidelines on what we can and cannot use. While some donations may not meet these guidelines, they are confident they may be of use in non-clinical settings.

Self-Care Resources: Many in the community are understandably anxious with the arrival of COVID-19 in our corner of the world. The hospital has included some community resources to help you and your loved ones reduce stress and manage anxiety.

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include: Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones; Changes in sleep or eating patterns; Difficulty sleeping or concentrating; Worsening of chronic health problems; Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. 

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

Things you can do to support yourself: 

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

“As we all take measures to protect our physical health, we also need to protect our emotional health,” writes psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, whose article “Dear Therapist’s Guide to Staying Sane During a Pandemic,” was recently published in The Atlantic. “Everyone copes with horrible situations differently. For some, humor is a balm. It’s BOTH/AND: It’s horrible AND we can allow our souls to breathe.” The article may be read online at: theatlantic.com. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement as part of a COVID-19 Announcement on March 21: Mental health is a vital part of public health. To that end, I am calling on psychologists, therapists and other mental health professionals to pitch in and volunteer their services to help with New York’s Coronavirus response. To sign up, go to: health.ny.gov/assistance. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2010 census indicated the city of Saratoga Springs had a population of 26,586. Those population numbers are estimated to be higher, now, a decade later. 

The U.S. Constitution mandates that the census takes place every 10 year and responses matter in helping determine how many dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year, as well as how many seats in Congress each state gets.

The U.S. has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.

Door-to-door campaigns inspiring residents to fill out 2020 Census forms have been halted by the coronavirus pandemic, and the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the national deadline for the count by two weeks, until mid-August.

Through March 22, the most recent date of available figures, less than one-fourth, or 22.5% of Saratoga Springs households responded online, by mail, or by phone to the 2020 Census. That percentage is just under 20% for Saratoga County as a whole. The city and county 2010 self-response rates were each at approximately 70 percent in 2010. 

For more information and to respond to the census, visit: 2020census.gov 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco and Deputy Commissioner Joseph J. O’Neill announced the Department of Public Works’ operational plan following COVID-19 directives set forth by Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

The DPW work force will transition into emergency standby mode and will respond to emergency situations as-needed. Request for DPW service calls can be made to police dispatch, 518-584-1800.

The Weibel Avenue transfer station will also operate under reduced hours between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 

“The Governor has directed all non-essential workforce to remain home, for DPW that means staying home and being prepared to respond as-needed, this is for the good of our personnel and to help stop the spread of
COVID-19” said Scirocco, in a statement.  “The public can rest assured that in any emergency during this time our work force will respond and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

DPW crews had remained operational earlier this month for lawn-debris pickup, roadway repairs, and routine calls for service.

STATEWIDE — The Department of Motor Vehicles is closed for all in-office visits. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed an Executive Order to temporarily close DMV offices and shift the DMV to online transactions. License and permit expirations will be extended. 

“So, if your driver’s license is about to expire — don’t worry,” Cuomo said, in a statement.

Specifically, this means: All Licenses, Non-Driver ID’s, and Registrations with an expiration date of March 1, 2020 or later will be extended. Road tests are suspended until further notice, and all reservations have been cancelled.

According to Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner, the Saratoga County DMV will be closed to the public until April 19. 

To view more information regarding online DMV transactions, go to: dmv.ny.gov.