CBA Buglers at The White Party presents Horsepower and Highballs in June. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A record $227,000 was raised at The White Party presents Horsepower and Highballs.
The event was attended by 335 guests dressed in white or their best tack and was held in June at the 1863 Club located at Saratoga Race Course.
The event featured live entertainment, food, cocktails and an auction. Kimberly and Leigh McConchie were event co-chairs. News Channel 13 anchor Chris Onorato was program emcee.
As one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, Saratoga Bridges has provided services and programs to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years, by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life. For more information about the organization, go to: saratogabridges.org.
An 83-page report commissioned by the Saratoga County IDA explores the economic impact on the 9-county greater Capital Region of Saratoga Race Course, SPAC, the Casino Hotel and Saratoga National Historical Park.
SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency this week released the results of a commissioned study to analyze the far-reaching economic effects of the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and the Saratoga National Historical Park.
The study examines the economic impacts of the four Saratoga County major tourism drivers to a nine-county study region that includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, and Washington counties. The analysis provides a comparative breakdown of economic impacts such as jobs, attendance, and spending, and includes the direct impact of each destination, as well as the indirect and induced spillover impacts.
In total, these destinations contributed 5,770 jobs, $266.9 million associated employee earnings, and $647.6 million in annual sales in 2021, according to the report.
The “direct impacts” include the on-site operations of the destinations, as well as visitor spending. Indirect and induced impacts capture the spillover impact from the activity, including supply chain and employee spending-related impacts.
“The results of the Economic Analysis of these tourism sectors provide a positive forecast that indicates Saratoga County will continue to grow and thrive as one of Upstate New York’s most desirable counties in which to live, visit, and do business for the foreseeable future,” Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency Chairman Rod Sutton explains in his introductory remarks of the 83-page report, prepared by Camoin Associates, which is based in Saratoga Springs.
The breakdown, according to the report:
Saratoga Race Course – 2,937 Jobs; $157.8 m Earnings; $371. m Sales
SPAC – 1,362 Jobs; $26.9 m Earnings; $78.2 m Sales
Saratoga Casino Hotel – 1,388 Jobs; $77.1 m Earnings; $185.2 m Sales
Saratoga Nat. Hist. Park – 83 Jobs; $4.8 m Earnings; $13 m Sales
*Earnings, Sales rounded off.
As far as Fiscal Impact Results, the destinations in total contribute nearly $5.7 million in total property, sales, and occupancy tax revenue to Saratoga County and almost $18.2 million in total income and sales tax revenue to New York State, according to the report. In addition to these tax revenues, the Saratoga Race Course makes nearly $6.9 million in additional statutory payments to municipalities and other entities.
Prior studies – which were held in 2006, 2011 and 2015 – looked solely at the economic impact of Saratoga Race Course.
To read the full report, go to: www.saratogacountyida.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Several area law enforcement agencies responded to a bomb threat at Saratoga Performing Arts Center July 8. The threat was ultimately deemed a hoax.
Inside the amphitheater, the band Garbage had concluded their 15-song set at approximately 9 p.m. and those who remained in attendance awaited the appearance of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds when message boards informed fans to evacuate the venue in a calm manner. A reason was not provided, and some noted that at least one of the buses backstage transporting the performers had already left.
“Hey, just got evacuated from SPAC after the changeover from Garbage to Noel Gallagher,” said William Marley, a music fan in attendance. “Sat for 30 minutes after they tuned guitars. Bus pulled out then evac. warning went up.”
Concert promoter Live Nation released no statement and for the balance of the evening; a tweet was posted by the band Garbage. “We have no idea what happened tonight. We were just all evacuated and we were concerned for everyone !!!” read the tweet. “I’m sorry we have no real information. We were just told there was an emergency evacuation!!!!”
It wasn’t until the following day that an agency in an official capacity reported the reason for the evacuation.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was suspended at 9:40 p.m. and concert attendees were evacuated without incident. K9s completed a sweep of the venue after the crowd exited, with negative results,” according to the posting from the New York State Park Police. “This incident is under investigation. This case will be investigated as Making a Terroristic Threat, a Class D Felony.”
The night included scheduled appearances by the bands Garbage and Metric, but Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – the night’s headlining act – never made it to the stage due to the evacuation. Fans holding tickets to the show were provided no information from Live Nation regarding whether a make-up date or refund will be forthcoming.
According to the promoter’s website: “Cancelations will only occur in the event of severe weather, artist cancelation or an act of God. In the event of a cancelation local media will be notified and any information about a potential reschedule will be made available. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Temple Sinai welcomes Rabbi David Katz to lead the congregation as its interim rabbi beginning this month.
Rabbi Katz, a Rochester, N.Y. native, comes to the position after the retirement of co-Rabbis Jonathan Rubenstein and Linda Motzkin after 36 years as spiritual leaders in Saratoga Springs at the end of December 2022.
Katz was ordained in 1981 and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Hebrew Union College in 2006. He has served in rabbinical and academic roles for more 40 years, the last 12 as an interim rabbi, most recently at Temple Concord in Syracuse, N.Y. and B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation in Albany.
He has written numerous articles and is the co-author of “Reading Between the Lines: New Stories from the Bible.” He served on committees that developed Mishkan T”filah, the newest Reform Judaism prayer book, published in 2007 and used widely throughout North America.
A Temple Sinai Search Committee will conduct a nationwide search for a permanent rabbi.
For more information, visit www.saratogasinai.org or contact the Temple Sinai office at office@saratogasinai.org.
Friday, July 14, 21 and 28 – 9:30 a.m. Wiggly Wanderers
Wiggly Wanderers is a weekly (every Friday) program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. While you do not need to attend each week, we will continue to build our toddlers’ hiking skills as well as their caregivers’ confidence taking the children into the woods to explore. This program is a drop-in program, please be on time as we will be starting our hike at 9:35 a.m.
Saturday, July 15 – 9 a.m. Moreau Lake Kayak Trip
Join an educator on a peaceful morning paddle around Moreau Lake. Limited rentals are available or bring your own kayak. This program is for people aged 18 and older. The cost is $5 or $15 including kayak rental. Check in and pay (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance; text 518-917-2174.
Saturday, July 15 – 8 p.m. Moreau After Dark
Come see a different side of Moreau – fun for families and people of all ages. We’ll have some entertaining activities on the beach. Weather permitting there will be an astronomy program. The Friends of Moreau Lake State Park will be serving up their famous grilled hot dogs! Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot text 518-917-2174.
Sunday, July 16 – 1 p.m. Family Hike
Family hikes are slower-paced, easy-going walks intended to comfortably bring people together in nature. All ages and abilities are welcome to join in. The pace and path will be determined by the group at the time of the hike. At this time our trails are not able to accommodate strollers, however, we can stay to the roads making the hike more accessible. If this is something your party requires, please let us know when you sign up. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 for adults (18+) and $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot, text 518-917-2174.
Tuesday, July 18 – 9 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist
Geared toward children aged 2-5, (siblings welcome) Knee-high Naturalist is a fun introduction to nature. We meet in the Nature Center where we begin by reading a nature-themed book or two and then take a short walk together outdoors, keeping our eyes open for animal tracks, shells, feathers and other signs of the natural world around us. Dress for the weather. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The cost is $1 per child, payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. To reserve your spot, text 518-917-2174.
Thursday, July 20 – 9 a.m. Moreau Lake Kayak – Join an educator on a morning paddle around Moreau Lake. Limited rentals are available or bring your own kayak. This program is for people aged 18 and older. The cost is $5 or $15 including kayak rental. Check in and pay at the office upon arrival. Registration is required at least 24 hours in advance; text 518-917-2174.
Upcoming: Saturday, July 22 8 p.m. Bug Program.; Sunday, July 23 1 p.m. Family Hike; Monday, July 24 9 a.m. Lake Bonita Hike; Tuesday, July 25 9 a.m. Knee-high Naturalist; Thursday, July 27 9 a.m. Lake Ann Hike. To reserve your spot to events, text 518-917-2174.
BALLSTON SPA — After a successful launch of Saratoga County Historian’s tours in 2022, the History Center at Brookside Museum has announced five tours will take place from mid-July through September.
“Getting your feet on the ground where history happened is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of our modern communities,” Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian said in a statement. “These walks reveal a glimpse of the past while providing context for the places we drive by every day.”
Each of the tour leaders are experienced historians with a depth of knowledge about their communities and the people who lived there. Tours are scheduled for 90 minutes and distances vary up to 1.5 miles.
Wednesday, July 19, 10 a.m. – Hillside Cemetery & Burnt Hills Baptist Church. Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds will explain how the Town of Ballston is preserving its past in Hillside Cemetery and tell stories of those buried there.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 1 p.m. – Round Lake. Village Historian Lance Spallholz and Scott Rigney will describe the community’s history which started in 1868 as a location for Methodist Camp meetings. The unique architecture of the village’s buildings will be on display.
Friday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m. – Ballston Spa Sensory Tour. Anne Clothier, Education Director at Brookside Museum, will explore the sights, sounds and smells of days of olde. Bring your children and grandchildren to this tour!
Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. – Historic Jonesville. Join Clifton Park Historian John Scherer for a walk through the historic hamlet of Jonesville and a tour of the Jonesville Rural Cemetery.
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m. – Waterford 1810-1880. Russ Vandervoort, Waterford Town Historian will lead a walking tour of downtown Waterford, describing local landmarks and influential residents who lived there in the mid-19th century.
Registration must be made in advance at brooksidemuseum.org/events. A suggested donation of $10 per registration (individuals, couples or families) will support the programs of the History Center and a not-for-profit organization chosen by the tour leaders. Specific directions and parking locations will be provided to registrants in advance of the tour dates. For more information, call the History Center at 518-885-4000 or visit www.brooksidemuseum.org
SARATOGA — The Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID), the governing body that supervises, manages, and controls Saratoga Lake for public benefit, has released a statement regarding initiatives.
Those initiatives include:
• Lake Steward Program – Lake Stewards monitor the introduction of invasive species by encouraging watercraft sanitation practices and educating boaters and fishermen on the importance of cleaning, draining, and drying all watercraft and equipment.
• Harvesting program. Weed harvesters manage aquatic vegetation for deep water access.
• Educational Programs – educational presentations and tabling events throughout the Saratoga region promoting public awareness of SLPID and sustainable ecological practices and prevention measures against environmental decline. Floating classrooms for the public on lake quality, stormwater prevention, aquatic invasive species, and wildlife habitat.
• “Take the Pledge,” – an erosion and stormwater prevention program for property owners on best management practices of lake living.
• Property analysis – property owner consultations on nature-based solutions on waterfront-friendly practices.
• Water testing – In lake and stream monitoring, Citizen Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP), a volunteer lake monitoring and education program that is managed cooperatively by DEC and New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA), Harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring.
• Lake assessments – yearly assessments on aquatic vegetation, aquatic invasive species, annual boat counts, and water quality reports.
• Aquatic invasive species management – Herbicide applications to manage aquatic invasive species and regular hand and mechanical harvesting.
• Support Marine Patrol
• Buoys – navigation and water testing buoys
•Lake levels – liaison to the dam for maintaining summer water levels.
All questions about the health, management, and programs of Saratoga Lake should be directed to SLPID at 518-223-3252, cconnolly@slpidny.gov, or visit the website at slpidny.gov.
Saratoga Springs Bike Park conceptual location. Source: City of Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs is seeking proposals to develop and construct a new Bike Park facility which is slated to operate at 30 Weibel Ave., in close proximity to the city’s two ice rinks.
Plan requests call for the park to include asphalt pump track; Skills training area with prefabricated features; Beginner level adventure zone, freeride jump zone, flow zone to practice jumping skills, and dual slalom course.
The city prepared the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Bike Park Design Services in mid-June. Any and all bids received for the project will be publicly opened and read on July 25.
Saratoga Backstretch Clinic at Saratoga Race Course. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new clinic will allow Saratoga Hospital and the Backstretch Employees Support Team (BEST) to expand on the existing healthcare services offered to members of the backstretch community.
John Hendrickson funded construction of the new clinic as a tribute to his late wife, Marylou Whitney. The new, modern healthcare clinic was constructed to replace a doublewide trailer that previously housed on-site healthcare services at Saratoga Race Course.
“Mary Lou used to come to the backstretch activities and look over at the trailer and say, ‘They deserve better. We’ve got to do something about it,’” Hendrickson said during a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new clinic this week.
“When Mary Lou passed away, I thought Mary Lou would want some of her possessions to go to a greater good. And what greater good is there, than health care for the backstretch workers,” Hendrickson said.
The building features a main entryway lobby and a series of rooms – a testing diagnostic room, a medication room and nearly a half-dozen exam rooms, among them. Large, framed paintings of races at Saratoga line the hallway walls. The facility is located just off Union Avenue and opposite the main track.
“They say health care is the foundation of every community. This fantastic new facility will improve lives and save lives,” Hendrickson said. “The backstretch workers now have a state-of-the-art medical facility which they truly deserve. Mary Lou thought Saratoga should be the summer place to be for everyone – especially for those who take care of our beloved thoroughbreds,” he said, “to the backstretch community: your work is appreciated more than you will ever know.”
Speakers at the ceremonial ribbon-cutting included Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill VanKuren, BEST Executive Director Paul Ruchames, Dr. Alexander Cardiel – Medical Director of the Backstretch Clinic, Saratoga Hospital, as well as local political leaders and NYRA officials.
Backstretch Worker Ismael Denalle, a survivor of heart surgery, expressed gratitude on behalf of backstretch workers for Hendrickson and Whitney’s efforts. “I’ve been working for more than 20 years in the sport,” he said, “and it’s beautiful to have a place that I could call: My Little Hospital.”
SARATOGA COUNTY — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, gathered area thought leaders from schools, churches, higher education, hospitals, veterans’ organizations and non-profits as well as state and county offices last week during a two-hour listening session to share information about suicide prevention.
“After learning that the rate of suicide in rural communities is rising significantly and knowing my district is primarily made up of rural communities, I decided to hold a meeting with local mental health experts to begin a dialogue around this growing problem,” Woerner said in a statement. “In order to gain a better understanding of any situation, I think it’s best to listen to a variety of perspectives. Suicide prevention is very complicated and multi-faceted. One big take away from this meeting- we need to meet again…at our next meeting, we’ll take the conversation to the next level.”
Statistics shared: 54% of firearm deaths are from suicide; Suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 10-24; More females attempt suicide than males, but males use more lethal means.
In Saratoga County, 3 out of 4 suicides are male and the male dominated industries, such as constructions, corrections, etc., many with access to guns, see a much higher rate of suicide. And rural communities have the highest rate of death per 100,000 people, according to statistics shared by Woerner.
