SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Autism Expo and Life After High School Resource Fair will take place noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Broadway. 

The event will feature a comprehensive display of resources, educational tools, and products specifically curated for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community, co-hosted by The ARC Lexington and Saratoga Bridges.

Highlights will include educational presentations, musical activities featuring members of the globally celebrated band, Flame, and a specially designed sensory space facilitated by Maria College’s Occupational Therapy department.

The event is free and suitable for the whole family is your go-to place in the Capital/Northern NYS region for connecting with a supportive community, exploring resources, and discovering new opportunities tailored for families, caregivers, and individuals with ASD and I/DD.

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment that people with ASD can have.

The behavioral signs of ASD often appear early in development with many children showing symptoms by 12 months to 18 months of age or earlier. It affects people in different ways and can range from mild to severe. The federal government’s Autism CARES Act of 2014 brought attention to the need to expand research and improve coordination among all of the components of the NIH that fund ASD research.

Ballston Spa-based Saratoga Bridges, among its many services, established an Autism Task Force in 2006 comprised of agency professionals and parents, with the goal of providing a myriad of resources to offer the highest level of services to people on the Autism Spectrum and their families. 

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Expo Events: 

Interactive music session with the internationally acclaimed band, FLAME The Band

Free learning sessions with experts

Networking with over 65 exhibitors

A peaceful Sensory Space designed by Maria College’s Occupational Therapy department

Quiet Consultation Lounge for in-depth discussions

Engaging children’s activities by the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, CDPHP & C W Hair Design Studio

Family activities including Raffles and Photo Booths by Transitions

Learning Session Highlights:

Dr. Gina Cosgrove on supporting children with ASD 

Ed Wilcenski, Esq., of Wilcenski Pleat Law on financial management and advocacy planning

Dr. Priya Winston & Rhiannon Fralick of Transitions on supporting neurodiverse teens and young adults

The Arc Lexington & Saratoga Bridges, a chapter of The Arc New York, are dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental differences to live their fullest lives.

Admission to the event is free and while no registration required organizers would appreciate those anticipating attending registering to save their spot by going to: 

Image: Details of the seasonal paid parking program.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Council on April 2 unanimously approved the establishment of a seasonal paid parking program. 

The program will run from Memorial Day through Labor Day and affect six city-owned, off-street parking facilities. 

The paid parking program will be in effect in three parking garages – Walton/Woodlawn Parking Garage, Woodlawn Ave. Parking Garage, and Putnam St. Parking Garage, and three city surface parking lots – specifically located at Woodlawn Ave., Spring Street, and High Rock. Times of operation and parking permitted levels will vary. 

To park in any of the six facilities, fees up to $2 per hour will be charged. City residents with proof of residency may apply for a permit to park free of charge at the six facilities. An online portal where residents and downtown business owners may apply for permits is anticipated to roll out by the end of April. 

As it currently stands, downtown workers with proof of regular employment as verified by their employer, may apply for the free parking permit if their business is located in the city’s “Urban Core” District, as defined by the city’s Zoning map.       

“Registration will occur online or by working with staff at City Hall,” said DPW Business Manager Mike Veitch. “The permits themselves are linked to license plates as is when you pay for a space. It’s linked to your license plate – that’s how the system will track.” Pay stations are expected to be installed some time in May. There will be no traditional parking meters.    

The program was developed by the city’s Department of Public Works under Commissioner Jason Golub and has been scaled back from an initial plan floated last December that proposed converting more than 1,300 on-street and nearly 800 garage parking spaces into either “permit” or “paid” spots for a five-month period beginning May 1. On-street parking will remain free of charge for all, as it currently is. 

The city estimates the plan will generate a gross revenue of just under $1.6 million this summer. “It is additional revenue coming into the city,” said Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi, reasoning that numerous nearby tourist-friendly cities are already running paid parking schemes. 

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Subtract from the estimated gross revenue about $450,000 in expenses to run the program in 2024 – this includes a one-time pay station installation cost of about $125,000 – resulting in an estimated net gain of just over $1.1 million.

The city says it will invest $100,000 of revenue gained in the DBA (“a dedicated marketing professional for the Downtown Business Association”), $50,000 into Parking Structure Capital Reserve, $75,000 into a Downtown Improvement Reserve, and $40,000 into a Recreation Parking program. There was no documentation presented this week regarding where the anticipated more than $850,000 in additional annual revenue may be spent.   

“We have a three-month period here to see how it works and I think it’s worth doing,” said Mayor John Safford, adding that some of the revenue generated will be earmarked to help resolve homeless issues, although how much of or where those funds would be applied was not specified. 

The City Council’s 5-0 vote in favor of the plan followed a 65-minute Public Hearing on the matter attended by more than 60 people at City Hall. Approximately 20 people addressed the council during the hearing, expressing a variety of opinions: a handful in favor of paid parking, a slightly higher number of people opposed, and some who voiced an expression akin to “let’s try it for three months and see how it goes.”

A reduced rate parking permit for Saratoga Springs School District taxpayers which would benefit those in nearby municipalities is also expected to be optioned-in at some point. The city school district stretches south to areas of Milton and Ballston Spa, west to Middle Grove and Lake Desolation, north to Porter Corners and Wilton, and east along Route 29 on the road to Schuylerville. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five nonprofit organizations have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the newly formed Community Grants program – the Dake Foundation for Children.

Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, the Foundation has provided grants to local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In 2023, the organization announced plans to increase its impact by supporting local 501c3 nonprofit organizations seeking to make their spaces or programming more accessible and inclusive.

The Dake Foundation for Children’s Community Grants Program recipients are:

•Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerne, NY – Funding will support their Winter Adaptive Sports Program, providing winter recreation opportunities for children ages 6-16 with life-threatening and chronic illnesses.

•Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), Queensbury, NY – Funding will be used to purchase Access Trax, equipment that makes events, beaches, parks, and other outdoor venues more accessible for wheelchair users.

•Bring On The Spectrum, Albany, NY – Funding will support equipment and other necessities for their Autism Fitness Program.

•Wilton Emergency Squad, Saratoga Springs, NY – Funding will purchase “Carter’s Kits” that contain items designed to help soothe and calm children with varying communication and sensory needs during their interactions with first responders.

•Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Early Intervention, Bennington, VT – Funding will support the purchase of audiology equipment that will detect hearing loss in young children.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Clerk Craig A. Hayner announced the kickoff of a month-long initiative to encourage residents to register as organ donors when they visit any of the three Saratoga County Department of Motor Vehicles locations.

The Saratoga County DMV is teaming up with Donate Life New York State in observance of National Donate Life Month, celebrating the lifesaving impact made by organ, eye, and tissue donors.

Donate Life NYS is the statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase organ, eye and tissue donation in New York State through collaborative advocacy, education, research, and promotion.

While more than 3,500 lifesaving organ transplants were performed in the state last year, nearly 8,000 New Yorkers remain on the national organ transplant waitlist. In 2023, approximately 400 patients awaiting an organ transplant in New York State died because the organ needed to save their lives was not donated in time.

Saratoga County’s enrollment has increased steadily in the years since the County DMV began promoting Donate Life Month in 2014. According to the most recent statistics from Donate Life NYS, at the end of 2023, 71% of the eligible population in Saratoga County was enrolled in the registry. This reflects a steady uptick in donor registry enrollment in Saratoga County, rising from 39% in 2013 to about 54% in 2018 and over 61% in 2020.

All New Yorkers aged 16 and older can enroll in the New York State Donor Registry, regardless of their medical history. The enrollment option is available on forms used to apply for or renew a driver’s license or non-driver identification card. New Yorkers can also enroll in the registry while applying for health insurance through the New York State of Health and on voter registration forms. In addition, online enrollment is available at any time at donatelife.ny.gov/register.

Additionally, New Yorkers can show their support for organ and tissue donation by purchasing a “Life-Pass It On” custom license plate from the DMV or making a voluntary $1 contribution to organ transplant research, education and donation promotion projects by checking off the box when applying for or renewing their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County officials are seeking businesses to take part in its “Saratoga County Career Expo.” 

Businesses of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to register for this large-scale hiring event, where they will be able to recruit and connect with multiple candidates with various backgrounds, skill sets, and experience levels. 

Registration is free and open now through April 10; businesses can register on the County’s website. The event will take place April 23 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

Sponsored by Saratoga County Workforce Development and Saratoga County Economic Development Corporation, the event is tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries. Whether you’re a burgeoning startup, a mid-sized enterprise, or an established corporation, this event offers a dynamic environment to engage with skilled professionals and forge meaningful connections.

Businesses attending will be able to enhance their recruitment efforts through: Networking Opportunities, Brand Visibility and Community Engagement.

For more information and to register, visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/career-expo or contact Saratoga County Workforce Development at 518-884-4170.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County History Center is hosting Trivia Night from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at historic Anne’s Washington Inn, 111 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

The event, to support the programs of The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, will include an Italian style buffet dinner provided by Mama Mia’s Restaurant, dessert, and coffee.  A cash bar for beer and wine will be available to guests age 21 and over.  Doors open at 5:30, and dinner will begin at 6. 

Local Trivia Night host Casey Blum, “That NY Trivia Guy,” will open the friendly competition beginning at 7 p.m. Trivia categories will include questions on local history as well as the standard trivia topics.

The cost for the evening is $40 per person. Registration for the event can be made at:  https:/brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/69015-history-center-trivia-night

WILTON — On Mondays April 8 and April 22 at 10:30 a.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding its bi-weekly Nature on the Move walks. These walks are led by one of Wilton Wildlife’s Environmental Educators and will take place on the NYS DEC’s Fox Parcel on April 8 and Old Gick Farm on April 22. 

These walks give participants an opportunity to get out on the trails with like-minded people and observe the beauty of nature in the spring. They are geared towards gentle exercise and are appropriate for adults at basic fitness levels. The group usually covers about 1.5 miles of trail. Nature on the Move happens every other week, year-round. 

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register please visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

LAKE GEORGE — The Lake George Arts Project is hosting the 30th anniversary of Bands N’ Beans from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, at the Fort William Henry Conference Center.

Twenty-two local restaurants will be battling it out for the coveted People’s Choice Award with their best chili creations. Nine bands will be performing on two stages throughout the day.

Here’s the music lineup:

Ballroom Stage – The Switch, The Stony Creek Band, Dirt Cheap, ILL Funk Ensemble, and Ten Most Wanted

Acoustic Room – Seth Warden, Orion & Keanan, Steve Candlen & Matt Mirabile, and Little Medicine with Rick Bolton, Pat Perkinson, Tim Wechgelear, & Jeff Walton

Bands and Beans is a fundraiser for the Lake George Arts Project’s free and open-to-all art programs. Proceeds from the event will support initiatives like the year-round Courthouse Gallery exhibitions, the Summer Concert Series, and the popular Jazz at the Lake festival.

Early-bird tickets are available for $25 until April 12. Tickets are $30 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit the Lake George Arts Project website: www.lakegeorgearts.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The folks behind the annual Saratoga jazz festival have unveiled the 2024 festival poster.

The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will take place over two days upon two stages at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, June 29-30 and feature a variety of artists (see poster). Tickets and more information, go to spac.org. 

Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) is celebrated in April in the United States and Canada to recognize jazz as an early American art form. JAM was established in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s curator. 

ALBANY — Scene One Entertainment is slated to reopen the Spectrum 8 Theaters in Albany this month, the company announced this week. 

Joe Masher, owner and CEO, Scene One Entertainment, opened Scene One Wilton Mall Cinemas at the Wilton Mall in Saratoga last month. The company also operated Movieland in Schenectady.

Spectrum 8 Theaters first opened in 1983 and for decades screened independent, upscale programming of avantgarde, foreign, independent, and widely-released features. Originally a single-screen theater known as The Delaware Theater that opened in the early 1940s, the Spectrum has been a mainstay of the Delaware Avenue neighborhood.

“The overwhelming response to the theatre’s closing last month prompted me to move faster with the building’s owner to get the cinema reopened. I’ve been working very closely with (Spectrum co-founder) Keith Pickard to bring the heart and soul back into the Spectrum. The art gallery will be reactivated and the calendar that was published monthly will return,” Masher said in a statement. 

Scene One will restore the selections that made the Spectrum’s concession stand a treasure: locally-sourced cakes, pastries, cookies, gluten-free delights, real butter on fresh, hot popcorn, and mint brownies.

“I’ve been attending the Spectrum since Keith and his partners opened it in 1983. I saw its first film, ‘Lianna’, when it was a one-screen cinema. I’ve been a giant fan of their operations since their start at the Third Street Theater. I am honored that Keith and his partners have selected me to carry on their tradition,” Masher said. For more information about Scene One Entertainment, visit scene1ent.com.