As millions of students, teachers, and faculty across the nation head back to school, Congressmen Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) today reintroduced their Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act, bipartisan legislation that protects public health from poor indoor air quality (IAQ). In particular, the legislation would establish an updated nation-wide assessment of indoor air quality in schools and childcare facilities to improve IAQ conditions.

Studies have shown that indoor contaminants can be 2-5 times—and occasionally 100 times—higher than outdoors. Despite this, and the fact that more than 3 million people globally die prematurely from indoor pollution each year, efforts to address indoor air quality have been largely unacknowledged and underfunded. 

“No one should have to suffer the consequences of poor indoor air quality, least of all our kids and students seeking an education at school,” Congressman Tonko said. “Our bipartisan Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act protects the health of our communities by establishing science-based guidelines and delivering effective tools and best practices to minimize indoor health risks. I’m proud to be joined by Congressman Fitzpatrick in pushing this legislation forward to protect the health and wellbeing of our kids and communities.”

“We wouldn’t tolerate toxic air in our homes—why would we accept it in our schools?” said Fitzpatrick. “Clean air isn’t optional—it’s essential for every student and educator in Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation. That’s why Congressman Tonko and I are driving this bipartisan effort forward: to deliver the tools, oversight, and urgency our schools and students deserve. This is not a partisan issue—it’s a public health imperative, and one we must meet with unity and resolve.” 

This bipartisan legislation is supported by numerous groups and organizations, including: 1Day Sooner; Allergy and Asthma Network; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Federation of Teachers; American Industrial Hygiene Association; American Lung Association; ASHRAE; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Austin Air Systems, Ltd.; Brown University Pandemic Center; Change the Air Foundation; Corsi-Rosenthal Foundation; EcoMadres; Healthy Schools Network; International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART); International WELL Building Institute; Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Medify Air; Moms Clean Air Force; National Air Duct Cleaners Association; National Education Association; National Institute of Building Sciences; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA); U.S. Green Building Council; and WE ACT for Environmental Justice

The Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act would ensure that EPA has the authority and resources necessary to better protect public health from poor indoor air quality. Specifically, the bill:

• Updates, expands, and codifies the work of EPA’s Indoor Environments Division;

• Requires EPA to establish and regularly update a list of significant indoor contaminants, and develop health-based, voluntary guidelines to reduce exposure risks to these contaminants;

• Directs EPA to develop or recognize one or more voluntary certifications for buildings designed, built, operated, and maintained to prevent or minimize indoor air health risks; and 

• Establishes a regularly updated national assessment of IAQ in schools and childcare facilities, and supports development of technical assistance, guidelines, and best practices to improve the IAQ conditions of these facilities. 

On Saturday September 13, the Moreau and South Glens Falls Historical Society will hold its second craft and antique fair at Parks-Bentley Place. 

 Titled “Treasures on the Lawn”, the outdoor event will include booths manned by area crafters and vendors with items for sale including jewelry, wood crafted décor, books, vintage housewares, and other handmade and vintage items. In addition, there will be antiques, quilted bags, handmade greeting cards and vintage glassware. Parks-Bentley Place will have its own booth with one-of-a-kind crafts and other items donated by local crafters and Historical Society members. The South Glens Falls Fire Department will provide food for sale throughout the day and there will be homemade baked goods available for purchase at the Parks-Bentley table. 

 Visitors to the craft fair will also have the opportunity to tour the current exhibition of Victorian clothing titled “What They Wore” on its closing day. A raffle will also be held for a handmade teddy bear in Victorian dress. 

 Treasures on the Lawn opens at 9:00 am and runs until 3:00 pm. The event will be held rain or shine, and entry is free to the public, although donations are appreciated. 

 Funds raised will go toward programs and building renovations at the historic Ferry Boulevard house that serves as the Society’s headquarters. Of the three oldest buildings in South Glens Falls, Parks-Bentley is the only one open to the public.

Albany International Airport (ALB) and Southwest Airlines are proud to celebrate 25 years of Southwest service to the Capital Region with the unveiling of a new large-scale sculpture titled Treasure Map by Hudson Valley artist Ruby Palmer.  The work was created through Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose initiative, which promotes sustainability through creative upcycling of aircraft seat leather acquired from aircraft renovations and retirements.

A public event celebrating both the anniversary and new artwork will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM next to the Southwest ticket counter, where Treasure Map is installed. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Palmer and enter prize drawings to win an original artwork by the artist – plus 25 roundtrip tickets to any Southwest destination. 

Treasure Map features a vivid network of linear pathways reminiscent of a bejeweled landscape. Created entirely from aircraft seat leather donated by Southwest’s Repurpose with Purpose program, the piece is the first sculpture completed through the initiative. Palmer is known for her inventive use of materials – including paper, wood, and canvas – and now adds repurposed leather to her toolkit, pushing the boundaries of color, form, and scale.

“Ruby’s material sensibilities were key to meeting this very specific challenge,” said Kathy Greenwood, Director of the Airport’s Exhibitions and Programs. “Her integrative approach to sculpture and painting, and openness to experimentation have resulted in this remarkable new work.”

“There were many exciting possibilities with this unusual opportunity,” said Palmer.  “I decided to utilize what I’ve learned from making cut paper pieces so that I would be in familiar territory with the overall design concept, since working with the material was new to me. I played around with samples of the ELeather and found that it was relatively easy to cut and paint. When doubled in thickness it had the right weight for a large, perforated wall sculpture. Overall, I wanted the effect to be buoyant, map-like and eye catching, something that uplifted the room with color and whimsy. In the process, I had the idea of titling it Treasure Map, which links it to travel, flying, discovery, and adventure.” 

While travelers have relied on Southwest’s destinations and service at ALB since 2000, Treasure Map adds a new dimension to their experience by highlighting both the airport and airline’s shared commitment to sustainability. The Repurpose with Purpose initiative partners with social impact organizations to upcycle aircraft seat leather from retired or refurbished planes. Since its inception in 2014, the program has donated more than $2 million in grants and 1.4 million pounds of leather, providing job training, employment opportunities, and social benefits around the globe. 

“Ruby has created a singular design from upcycled materials that boldly reflects her vision of the landscape,” said Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager at Southwest Airlines. “As Southwest marks its 25 years of service to Albany International Airport, we are delighted to honor Ruby’s work as we mark this exciting milestone in the Capital Region.”

Since 2000, Southwest has increased its flights and destinations based on growing demand and enthusiasm from Capital Region travelers and today offers up to 14 departures a day to eight cities. 

“For a quarter century, Southwest Airlines has been a trusted and valued partner of Albany International Airport,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board. “This creative project is a fitting celebration of our long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainability. We look forward to the next 25 years of working together to deliver the highest quality air travel to the Capital Region.” 

The Saratoga County History Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winners of the fourth annual Saratoga County Public History Awards.  

The award recognizes individuals that have made a significant contribution to extending knowledge and understanding of the history of Saratoga County. A celebratory event will be held at Brookside Museum on Tuesday, September 30, beginning at 6 pm with a reception on the front porch of the Museum, 21 Fairground Ave, Ballston Spa.

The 2025 recipients of the award are Anne Clothier, Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian, and Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian.

 They were selected by a committee of previous winners Carol Godette and Jim Richmond, joined by Willam Allerdice, Vice Chair of the History Center’s Board of Trustees, Michelle Isopo, Director of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, and Lynda Bryan, Halfmoon Town Historian.

Anne Clothier currently serves as Assistant to the Saratoga County Historian where she plays a leading role in the Saratoga 250 initiative, designing programs and presenting living history at a wide range of community events. Previous to her 2024 appointment, Anne was Director of Education at Brookside Museum where she created multiple hands-on school and senior programs. She has also worked at the Shaker Heritage Society, and the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown. Charlene DuBuque, current Education Director at Brookside, praised Anne’s selection for this award, saying “Anne is an engaging historian who has spent her life not only preserving history, but also bringing it to life as a reenactor and living historian. Her recently published book. Overhearing History brings the early years of the Revolution to life for a new generation.”

Russ Van Dervoort, Waterford Town Historian since 2018, has dedicated his life to sharing the history of his community. Central to his achievements has been the gathering and retelling of the stories of Waterford.  As President of the Waterford Canal and Towpath Society since 2005, he has made the canals that weave through Waterford the centerpiece of his contributions. “It is not an empty statement to say that the Champlain Canal runs through Russ’ veins, as for over 100 years his Van Dervoort line has lived and worked on the canals in Waterford” says Dave Waite who has worked with Russ on several video projects. Van Dervoort has written numerous articles and several books, most recently Dear Mother, I am the only one left!, based on the Civil War Letters of Waterford resident Charles Shepard.

The public is encouraged to honor Anne and Russ by joining in the September 30 celebration.          

Pre-registration is encouraged at brooksidemuseum.org

A Saratoga County man has been charged with possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography. 

Conner Buskey, 20, of Saratoga Springs was arrested by federal authorities on Aug. 22 after an investigation by the Saratoga County Sherriff’s Office and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) found multiple images and videos of child pornography on his phone. 

Federal authorities were first tipped off to the incident after Snapchat reported that a video of child pornography had been sent across its network. In March the tip was passed along to the New York Internet Crimes against Children Task Force with the IP address of the sender being traced to Saratoga Springs, according to the criminal complaint. 

That same month, Buskey was arrested by the Sherriff’s Office for rape and sexual abuse of a then 12-year-old girl. The girl reported the incident to her school leading to Buskey’s arrest. At the time of the arrest, Buskey’s phone was seized — leading to the charges, according to a statement by the Department of Justice. 

On March 11, 2025 Buskey was arraigned in the Town of Greenfield and posted bail. While an order of protection was placed on Buskey ordering him not to contact the victim, New York State Child Protective Services has received credible information that he violated the order at least once, according to the complaint. 

“Conner Buskey is accused of abhorrent crimes against an innocent child, and would be roaming free if not for the federal charges brought last week,” Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the HSI Buffalo Field Office, said in a statement  “I applaud our HSI Albany personnel, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York for ensuring the wellbeing of the public, including and especially victims and vulnerable communities, remains the priority above all else.”

A search warrant of Buskey’s phone found multiple images and videos of child pornography and a later search warrant for his snapchat account found a video which matched the one from the original Snapchat tip. The same warrant also found chat logs where Buskey allegedly sent the video to a minor. 

If convicted, Buskey could face up to 20 years in Federal prison for each of the charges and a maximum fine of $250,000. Once out of prison, Buskey would be required to register as sex offender and have a period of supervised release of five years to life. 

Saratoga Springs, NY – August 26, 2025 – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the return of their Fall 2025 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city. 

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and to register for the event online or in person https://www.sspl.org.

2025 Fall Season:

Thursday, September 11, 2025:

“A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and Grand Army”

The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders, and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories, and how did they transition back into civilian life?  Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by relative and Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Thursday, October 9, 2025:

“75 Years: The History of the Saratoga Springs Public Library”

Let’s Celebrate 75 Years!

Michelle Isopo, Archivist and History Librarian of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will share the story of the library’s 75-year history. From the opening of the first free library in 1950 to the current three-story library in the heart of Saratoga Springs, she will highlight changes, staffing updates, and programming adaptations made to meet the needs of the community.  Cake and coffee will be available for the celebration!

Thursday, November 13, 2025

“Saratoga’s Gilded Age”

The Gilded Age of American history was an interesting time that produced an enormous gap in wealth in the country. During this period Saratoga Springs was the summer playground for the ultra-wealthy. Join Charlie Kuenzel as he highlights our city’s role during this period and describes how we grew and flourished from the influence of the wealth of the day.

Thursday, December 11, 2025:

“A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist”

Nelson Cook was a prolific and talented portrait artist in mid-19th century Saratoga Springs. His portraits include prominent Saratogians such as Rockwell Putnam, son of Gideon Putnam, members of the Van Deusen and Walworth families and many more. His works are housed in countless museums and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Saratoga Springs history Museum has over 20 of his works in its collection. James Parillo and Charlie Kuenzel will discuss Cook’s life, his struggles and show a selection of his works in the museum collection.

“Our fall season honors our past with topics and tales from a timeline of history, including distinctive people, interesting places and an illustration of human paradox,” said Heritage Area Visitor Center Director, Karen Verrigni. “We are grateful for our speakers, our partners at the library, and the attendees who continue to support this popular lecture series. Through collaboration, we are proud to offer free, high-quality programming that enriches our community.”

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 31; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1 through December 31. For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

On Sunday, August 31, at 10:30AM, join George DeMers for the season’s final Summer Sunday Stroll, “Historic West Side.” Explore the diverse historic West Side neighborhood where Saratoga Springs’ Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community lived. The tour will highlight the settlement of this neighborhood, its rebirth as an arts district, and the rehabilitations that took place in the early 2000s. In addition to highlighting the historic architecture of this area, George will discuss the history of its residents, restaurants, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts.  The tour meets at the entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, located on South Franklin Street.

The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of the 2025 Summer Series Sponsors: Druthers Brewing Company, and Stewart’s Shops. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to 30 participants. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their Sunday Summer Stroll before the date they choose.

The Foundation looks forward to hosting its annual Autumn Sunday Strolls, which kick off on Sunday, September 14 and continue through Sunday, October 19. Full series announcement coming soon!

For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030.